Wavinya tells off critics as she prepares to host President Ruto

Governor Wavinya Ndeti. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]Caption

Governor Wavinya Ndeti has vowed she will not be slowed down by political distracters who have been questioning her government's working relations with President William Ruto.

Speaking when she hosted the local Muslim community for an Iftar dinner at her Machakos office grounds on Friday evening, Governor Wavinya said it was wrong for a section of political leaders and their followers to politicize her decision to collaborate with the National Government in delivering key development projects in the county.

On Friday, Wavinya hosted President Ruto in Athi River where the Head of State commissioned the upgrading of Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company (MAVWASCO) infrastructure project.

The President is expected in Machakos on Sunday where he is scheduled to attend interdenominational prayer and thanksgiving service at the Kenyatta stadium.

"I was elected by the residents of Machakos to promote development for social and economic transformation of the people and I must work with the national government to secure these benefits. If I had failed to attend the President's event in Athi River, I wouldn't have secured additional funding for projects amounting to 1 billion that Ruto pledged to fund," said Wavinya.

During the visit to Athi River, the President announced the Government will allocate Sh100 million for the construction of the Athi River Stadium and a further Sh250 million for the establishment of Machakos County industrial park among other multi-million projects.

"The fact that we are engaging the President to support our local development projects does not mean we are disrespecting the political party that sponsored us for election. The President is serving the same people we are serving and it is only fair that we consolidate efforts for the maximum benefit of the people we serve," said the county boss.

Her sentiments were echoed by her deputy, Francis Mwangangi who defended her from claims she was engaging in an "unholy relationship" with the ruling regime.

"I want to make it clear for all and sundry that I am fully behind Governor Wavinya Ndeti because I am convinced her actions and leadership decisions are in the best interest of the residents of Machakos. We cannot ignore the national government because it plays a major role in channelling resources for development to the counties," said Mwangangi.

Mwangangi dismissed the governor's critics as political idlers who want to create a mountain out of an anthill.

They (critics) want to create a big issue out of nothing. By working with Ruto and his administration, the governor and I only want to fulfil the mandate we were given by the Machakos people to improve their livelihoods through economic transformation", the DG said.