Wavinya Ndeti speaks from UK, denies arrest claims

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti. [File, Standard]

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has refuted the claims allegations she and her son were arrested in the United Kingdom over money laundering.

Addressing a section of Machakos County MCAs who gathered at the assembly to defend her, Wavinya termed the allegations as cowardly and challenged any person with evidence to produce it.

"I am telling those claiming l was arrested with my son to come and see us here in London free," she said.

Earlier through a post on her Facebook page, the governor warned that those driving the online smear campaign against her and her family will face the full force of the law.

“We shall identify, pursue and bring before the law all those peddling baseless rumors and fake news. This amounts to defamation and misuse of electronic media spread falsehoods. Such malicious misinformation has created perceptions against me and family members that endanger our lives,” said Wavinya.

The online publications generated vicious traction across Machakos and the entire country.

Wavinya chided those spreading the falsified information, terming them ignorant of international customs protocols.

“Those fabricating falsity are clearly ignorant of the robust nature of the UK border control and financial institutions. I can confirm that my family and I are safe and sound and remain in good standing both at home and abroad,” she said.

Wavinya maintained her administration was firmly on course to lead an accountable and transparent government.

“We shall not be distracted in our quest to better the livelihoods of the people of Machakos. My administration is closing in on nearly 1000 projects from August 2022, and in the Financial Year 2023/24 we collected sh 1.7 in revenue-the highest ever collected since the inception of devolution,” she said.

County Secretary Muya Ndambuki urged State agencies to swiftly launch investigations into the source and motive of money laundering allegations. 

At the same time, MCAs led by the majority leader, Nicholas Nzioka and the deputy Speaker, Stephen Mwanthi also defended Wavinya, terming the accusations against her ‘too personal’ and mockery of the highest order.