Why A Dark Cloud Hangs Over The Fate of CO Mutunga

The fate of Governor Wavinya’s Chief officer for Cooperative Development Anthony Mutunga Mutuku remains unclear even after The Anchor established that the official had been interdicted.

His interdiction has been looming for over a month since he was asked to account for nearly Kes 10 million. Our sources at the Cooperatives Ministry indicate that originally about Kes 11 million was allocated for a Coffee Research project.

When the 14-day notice given by County Secretary Dr. Muia Ndambuki expired, the CS interdicted him, requiring the legal Chief Officer to account for the funds.

Sources close to Mr. Mutunga reveal that he considered quitting his job or even taking legal action to clear his name.

Reports suggest the funds have been dwindling, with Kes 5 million allegedly handed over in cash to a top county official, whose identity remains confidential until they respond to inquiries about the transaction. Additionally, it’s rumored that a close relative of this top official received another Kes 2 million, a practice reportedly common under the Wavinya Ndeti administration, although specifics of who received the money and where it was handed over remain undisclosed.

Observers are baffled by how Kes 7 million could have been diverted in such under-the-table transactions and question how corruption funds can be tracked without implicating senior officials.

It’s alleged that nearly Kes 10 million remains unaccounted for, and given the involvement of ‘County Untouchables,’ it’s unlikely the funds will ever be fully traced.

Rumors also circulate that Mutunga plans to run for the Matungulu parliamentary seat in 2027, heightening scrutiny as potential future political challenges often face intensified pressure in the county.

However, as rumors of Mutunga’s departure from the county government—whether by resignation or interdiction—spread, they were compounded by unverified claims that he resigned under pressure to transfer Kes 67 million to Wavinya for expenses during a foreign trip.

As the social media post detailing these claims went viral, Governor Wavinya reportedly reshared it among her top officials, prompting a defensive response from her team.

In a rare move, a press statement was issued from the Department of Cooperatives stating, “My attention has been drawn to a baseless and malicious propaganda post circulating on various social media platforms alleging that I’m no longer in service with the County Government of Machakos.” The statement emphasized that the rumors were “baseless, malicious, and intended to malign the reputation of the County Government of Machakos and myself,” affirming his ongoing role in the administration.

Observers speculate whether the statement, asserting Mr. Mutunga’s continued service, was crafted by officials within Wavinya’s government to mitigate damage or if it was indeed authorized by Mutunga, suggesting a possible compromise between him and the county government. Joyce Gituro, Chief Communications Officer, confirmed to The Anchor that Mutunga had neither resigned nor been interdicted.

Despite conflicting reports about his status, the underlying controversies surrounding the unaccounted funds and alleged pressures linked to Wavinya’s foreign expenses suggest deeper issues at play. Only time will tell.