Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti Speaking the Matungulu Girls' Senior School 60th Anniversary and Prize Giving Ceremony on April 1, 2026. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has defended her administration over delayed payments to suppliers and contractors, attributing the uproar to political interference and misinformation.
Speaking amid mounting pressure from unpaid contractors, Ndeti maintained that all verified pending bills are undergoing a structured payment process. She emphasized that suppliers who fulfilled their obligations will be compensated, but only after due procedure is followed.
“They supplied everything, and they will be paid. However, there is a clear process. Some completed their work earlier and must be settled first before others,” she said.
The governor dismissed claims of neglect, insisting that her office remains accessible to all affected parties seeking clarification on the status of payments.
“My office is open. Anyone who wants to understand where the process has reached can come forward. No one has been locked out,” she added.
Ndeti, however, accused her political opponents of exploiting the issue for political mileage, alleging that they were mobilizing individuals, including young people, to stage protests on their behalf.
She criticized the tactic, warning that it risks damaging the reputations and future prospects of legitimate businesses involved in county tenders.
“Why use other people’s children to fight your battles? If you have an issue, face me directly,” she said, calling out specific individuals she claimed were orchestrating the demonstrations.
The governor further expressed concern that public agitation could negatively impact contractors whose companies have already been exposed in ongoing disputes, potentially jeopardizing their chances of securing future business.
Her remarks come days after comedian Sammy Kioko, who claims he is owed KSh19 million for supplying county askari uniforms, led a group of suppliers in a demonstration in Machakos.
The protest turned chaotic after county askaris reportedly confronted the demonstrators, leaving several injured, including Kioko, who was later hospitalized.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over the county’s handling of pending bills, with affected suppliers demanding transparency and expedited payments.
Despite the backlash, Ndeti reiterated her administration’s commitment to clearing all genuine debts, urging patience as the verification and payment process continues.
