Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reignited the long-running Sh181 million fake laptop tender controversy, telling President William Ruto to ensure the money allegedly lost by businessman Stephen Ngei Musyoka is paid before attending his burial.
Kalonzo made the remarks on Tuesday when he visited the home of the late Makindu Motors director and his wife, Giannaphina Mumbua, to condole with the family following their tragic deaths.
While mourning the couple, Kalonzo shifted attention to Ngei’s years-long quest for justice over the Sh181 million he claimed to have lost in a fraudulent laptop tender deal that became one of Kenya’s most publicized procurement scandals.
The former Vice President said the businessman died without seeing justice, insisting that the unresolved matter remains a painful chapter for the family.
“If President Ruto wants to attend Stephen Ngei’s burial, then the Sh181 million that Ngei lost should first be paid to the family,” Kalonzo said.
The remarks are likely to trigger fresh political debate over a case that has lingered in the courts and public discourse for years.
Ngei, the founder and director of Makindu Motors, previously alleged that he was defrauded of Sh181 million after being convinced he had secured a genuine government tender to supply thousands of laptops. Court proceedings heard claims that individuals involved in the deal allegedly used connections to senior government offices to gain his trust.
Among those charged in connection with the case was Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, although the matter has remained the subject of court proceedings and legal contestation.
For years, Ngei maintained that he had been swindled and repeatedly sought justice, insisting that those responsible should be held accountable and that his money be recovered.
Kalonzo said Ngei’s death should not mark the end of the pursuit for accountability.
“He died waiting for justice. His family deserves answers and deserves to see justice done,” Kalonzo said.
The opposition leader nevertheless paid glowing tribute to Ngei and his wife, describing them as hardworking, God-fearing and community-minded individuals whose legacy would endure.
He recalled witnessing Ngei’s entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings and revealed that he had the privilege of officially opening Makindu Motors during his tenure as Vice President.
“Stephen’s journey from humble beginnings to building Makindu Motors into a respected enterprise reflected vision, resilience and hard work,” Kalonzo said.
He added that together with his wife Giannaphina, Ngei built a life anchored on family, dignity and service to others.
“Their lives were cut short far too soon, leaving behind dreams yet to be fulfilled and a family carrying an unimaginable loss. But they also leave behind a legacy of hard work, generosity and faith that will not be forgotten,” he said.
As preparations for the burial continue, Kalonzo’s challenge to President Ruto has added a political dimension to the mourning period, reviving questions surrounding one of Kenya’s most controversial unresolved fraud cases and the justice that Stephen Ngei spent years seeking before his death.
