Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti is facing escalating pressure over delayed contractor payments, even as she maintains her administration is steadily clearing all verified pending bills inherited from the previous regime.
The situation took a dramatic twist on Tuesday after comedian Sammy Kioko was injured during protests linked to the payment standoff—highlighting the growing tension on the ground.
In a strongly worded statement while adressing media on Wednesdayafternoon, Wavinya defended her record, noting that her government has already made significant payments toward the inherited debt, with the remaining balance being addressed through structured budget allocations.
She assured suppliers that all legitimate claims will be settled transparently and fairly, insisting no contractor will be left behind.
However, the Governor went a step further—directly calling out her political rivals.
Wavinya accused Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, former Machakos gubernatorial candidate Nzioka Weta, and Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule of allegedly being behind the Gen Z-led demonstrations linked to the payment dispute.
She challenged the trio to face her politically instead of, as she put it, “using people’s children” to push their agenda on the streets.
“Let us not politicize issues that should be handled responsibly and professionally,” she said, urging leaders to engage through proper channels rather than fueling unrest.
The remarks come amid rising frustration among contractors over delayed payments, with tensions now spilling into public protests and drawing wider political attention across the county.
Wavinya remained defiant, insisting she will not be intimidated or distracted from her mandate.
“The mandate I hold comes directly from the people, and I will remain focused on delivering development for Machakos,” she affirmed.
With political temperatures rising and public pressure mounting, the contractor payment dispute is quickly evolving into a high-stakes political showdown that could shape the county’s leadership battles ahead.
