Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has suspended 36 county staff over corruption allegations in revenue collection.
Speaking during a press briefing at her office in Machakos, the governor explained that the action follows revelations of rampant malpractice, including under-reporting of fees, issuing fake receipts, diversion of funds, and collusion between public officers and members of the public.
She said the suspended officers, drawn from departments such as Administration, Trade, Liquor, Billing, Revenue, ICT, Inspectorate, Fire, and Cashier services, have been directed to hand over immediately to their respective chief officers and stop transacting any business on behalf of the county government.
“Their cases have been handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for prosecution and recovery of public funds,” said Wavinya.
The governor added that her administration is committed to eradicating corruption in the county.
“Public service must be anchored on transparency, accountability, and integrity. We must shift from a culture that demands corruption to one that rewards honesty,” she said.
She further urged the public to play their part in the fight against graft, saying, “the public also has a responsibility to reject corrupt practices, seek clarification when in doubt, and support this fight. We must win it collectively.”
On pending bills, the governor said her government is addressing debts inherited from the previous administration, amounting to Ksh4.2 billion, while also reducing outstanding KRA obligations.
