By Queen Muandiki
Transport and Roads Minister Rita Ndunge has been suspended following her alleged involvement in a bribery scandal.
The suspension comes as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) summoned the minister over a leaked telephone conversation in which she is heard discussing bribes with a Matatu operator identified as “Prestige,” whose real name is Clinton Wambua.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti announced the suspension in a formal letter to her, stating that investigations had been launched into allegations that Ndunge demanded bribes from Matatu operators to allocate loading spaces at the Machakos bus park.
The leaked recording, reportedly made on an unspecified date, captures a heated exchange between Ndunge and Wambua. In the conversation, the minister is heard pressuring Wambua to admit giving her a bribe, ostensibly to secure favourable space allocations for his vehicles.
While Wambua appears hesitant to explicitly confirm the payment, he indirectly acknowledges it, noting it was supposed to remain confidential.
The recording is laced with expletives and portrays the minister asserting her influence over the transport sector and her perceived invincibility within Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration. The conversation also highlights ongoing disputes between the Prestige Sacco, represented by Wambua, and the Mamoa Sacco, led by chairman Onesmus Ndambuki, who is mentioned throughout the call.
High-Stakes Meeting
In response to the controversy, Governor Wavinya Ndeti convened a high-level meeting at her Kinanie home. Attendees included Minister Rita Ndunge, the county secretary, representatives from Mamoa Sacco, Maruti operators, and the Inspectorate Department.
