Fresh details have emerged surrounding the abrupt dismissal of Elizabeth Nduge Muli as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development in Makueni County.
In a letter dated March 9, 2026 and addressed to the Speaker of the Makueni County Assembly, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. formally communicated the termination of Nduge’s appointment, stating that the decision took effect on March 6, 2026.
The governor invoked Section 31 of the County Governments Act, which grants him powers to dismiss members of the county executive committee.
However, sources who spoke to Channel 15 News say the sacking may not be routine administrative changes but is instead linked to alleged mismanagement and corruption tied to the controversial mango programme scandal that rocked the county earlier this year.
The scandal, which surfaced in January 2026, reportedly involved irregularities in the management of mango value chain projects meant to support farmers across the county. The programme had been widely promoted as a flagship agricultural initiative meant to boost incomes for thousands of farmers in the mango-rich region.
Insiders claim investigations into the programme raised serious concerns about procurement processes, project implementation, and the management of funds associated with the initiative.
Although Governor Mutula’s official letter did not specify the reasons behind the dismissal, the timing has fueled speculation that the move could be part of a broader effort to clean up the department.
To ensure continuity in the department’s operations, the governor appointed Damaris Mumo Kavoi, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Socio-Economic Planning, to act as Agriculture CECM pending further administrative action.
The Agriculture docket is one of the most critical departments in Makueni County, given the county’s heavy reliance on farming and agribusiness, particularly mango production which is a key economic activity in the region.
The dramatic removal is now expected to trigger intense political debate within the county assembly and among farmers, many of whom had raised questions over the handling of the mango sector support programmes.
County officials have yet to issue a detailed public explanation regarding the alleged scandal, even as pressure mounts for transparency on how funds meant for farmers were utilized.
