Wavinya Ndeti Refutes Detention Rumors, Pledges to Crush Corruption Networks

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti landed back in Kenya today after a nearly three-week stay in the United Kingdom, firmly denying rumors that she and her son, Charles Oduwale, had been detained in UK over alleged money laundering. 

The plane carrying the county leader touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 2:30 PM, where she was greeted with cheers from local MCAs, senior county officials, and a crowd of supporters.

At a press conference held at Four Points by Sheraton, Governor Wavinya delivered a strong message, reiterating her commitment to fighting cartels. “The corruption networks are not happy with my reforms, but I will continue tightening the noose. We will starve them out of the revenue streams and disrupt their operations,” she stated, visibly charged.

Wavinya also addressed the social media rumors surrounding her trip, clarifying that her extended stay in the UK was to source firefighting equipment for Machakos County and to settle her daughter at university. “I was not arrested. Those making such baseless claims are clearly out of their minds. I fear no one but God,” she added.

The governor accused her political opponents of fabricating the money laundering rumors, which had circulated widely on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp, alleging she had been detained with her son over an attempt to deposit Ksh 679 million in a UK bank.

Dr. Muya Ndambuki, the County Secretary, had earlier dismissed the allegations, calling on state agencies to investigate and take legal action against those spreading false information. He emphasized the county’s intent to pursue all legal avenues to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Governor Wavinya vowed to continue implementing fiscal reforms in Machakos County, despite opposition from individuals who have benefited from corrupt systems. She also warned that legal action would be taken against those defaming her and her family, stating, “We will identify and pursue all those spreading falsehoods, and they will face the law.”

In her closing remarks, Wavinya reaffirmed her commitment to the people of Machakos, stating that she would not allow cartels to deny residents the services they rightfully deserve.