Allegations surrounding procurement and financial management in Machakos County have placed Governor Wavinya Ndeti at the center of public debate after contractors and insiders claimed that over Sh350 million was paid to companies linked to her through proxies and close associates.
The payments are said to relate mainly to road projects that were either incomplete or poorly executed, raising concerns among residents and business owners about how public funds are being used under her administration.
According to several contractors interviewed during the investigation, the governor allegedly played a direct role in influencing procurement decisions and payment approvals.
Sources claimed that authority over tenders, evaluations, and financial processes was centralized within her office, allowing certain firms to receive faster approvals and settlement of invoices.
These contractors believe that companies connected to her inner circle received preferential treatment compared to independent local contractors who completed work according to expected standards but remain unpaid.
Some insiders alleged that firms associated with the governor and her son, Charles Odiwale, operated through business partners and proxy ownership structures to secure contracts.
They claimed these arrangements were designed to conceal direct links between the companies and county leadership. While these claims remain unproven, they have fueled calls for transparency and stronger oversight of county procurement procedures.
Residents from several parts of the county have also raised concerns about the condition of roads tied to the disputed payments.
They reported visible construction defects, including rough surfaces, early potholes, and incomplete sections despite large amounts of public money being spent.
Community members argue that such outcomes suggest poor supervision and raise doubts about whether the projects met professional standards.Meanwhile, many local contractors say delayed payments have placed them under severe financial strain.
Some explained that they borrowed heavily from commercial banks to finance county projects, expecting timely compensation once they completed the work. Instead, they claim they have waited months without payment, forcing some businesses toward bankruptcy. Several contractors also alleged that they were asked to surrender a percentage of contract values before receiving tenders, which they described as coercive and unfair.
Complaints have also been directed at the county finance department under Chief Officer Julius Kasanga. Contractors claim their calls and written follow-ups regarding pending payments often go unanswered, leaving them without clear explanations.
Finance professionals within the county have warned that heavy political involvement in procurement decisions could weaken internal controls and increase the risk of conflicts of interest.
Data from internal financial discussions suggests that pending bills in Machakos County have grown to more than Sh6.8 billion within three years.
Experts from the Office of the Controller of Budget caution that rising unpaid bills can threaten service delivery and long term financial stability.
Contractors argue that delayed payments distort fair competition and favor politically connected firms at the expense of qualified local businesses.
The controversy has also revived discussion about reports that the governor was detained in the United Kingdom in 2024 alongside her son over alleged financial issues, although no publicly disclosed charges followed.
In response to the current accusations, Wavinya Ndeti has denied any wrongdoing and insists that claims about proxy companies and irregular payments are politically motivated.
She points to development achievements and increased county revenue as proof of effective leadership.
Despite her defense, critics continue to demand an independent forensic audit of all road contracts awarded under her administration. Contractors want full disclosure of company ownership structures and a technical review of completed projects to determine whether public funds were used properly. Financial analysts also call for a comprehensive review of pending bills to understand whether payment delays stem from mismanagement or misallocation of resources.
The controversy continues to shape discussions about accountability and governance in Machakos County.
