By Mark Mutungi

The embattled Machakos County Roads and Transport Minister, Rita Ndunge, is on the verge of making a dramatic return to office as investigations into bribery allegations against her by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) near conclusion.

Sources close to the probe indicate that the commission is expected to clear the minister, marking the end of a two-month suspension that has  left tongues wagging in the county’s matatu sector.

Rita was suspended on November 25, 2024, following the emergence of a self implicating secret recording, alleging she received cash from Clinton Wambu, a senior official of Prestige Sacco.

The money was purportedly a bribe to secure a loading bay for the Sacco at the Machakos bus park. However, The Anchor has learned that investigators have found no substantial evidence to link the minister directly to the alleged bribe.

EACC Probe Nears Conclusion

While Rita and several other stakeholders, including Clinton and two Sacco officials, have recorded statements with the EACC, insiders suggest the probe’s findings may not sustain the allegations against her.

The absence of a clear financial trail implicating the minister is said to be a significant factor in the anticipated exoneration.

A source privy to the investigation disclosed, “It is now a matter of time before the EACC communicates its findings to the county administration. Rita’s return to office is imminent, barring any unexpected developments.”

The Fallout in the Matatu Sector

Rita’s suspension has coincided with growing turmoil in the matatu sector, particularly within Prestige Sacco and other unions operating at the Machakos bus park. Allegations of bribery, mismanagement, and power struggles have escalated, with analysts linking these tensions to a broader war waged against the minister.

Mamoa, the umbrella organisation of Matatu Saccos has been at the centre of the controversy, with whispers of money routinely exchanging hands between its bosses and county officials to facilitate preferential treatment. Some observers believe Rita’s suspension may have been orchestrated as part of a larger scheme by disgruntled stakeholders, including county government operatives who own matatus, seeking to weaken her grip on the sector or run her out of town.

The Ripple Effects

The unrest in the sector is not limited to Prestige Sacco. In Mamoa , leadership wrangles within the union have resulted in court interventions, frozen accounts, and accusations of misappropriation. On January 14, Lady Justice Noel Adagi froze Mamoa accounts and suspended an AGM planned for the next day where the Vice Chairman Mr Maingi, who is suspected to be close to Rita, would have been removed.

These developments paint a picture of a transport system riddled with internal conflicts and lacking cohesive leadership. The suit papers claim no proper accounting of money happens at Mamoa.

At the heart of the unrest is alleged lack of transparency and accountability in managing members’ contributions that was levelled against Mamoa Chairman Mr Onesmus Kyalo.

His detractors allege he chairs a Matatu group when he does not own one, a claim Kyalo dismisses. The case will be heard on February 5.

As rival camps clash over control, commuters and ordinary members continue to bear the brunt of the instability.

What’s Next?

Rita’s expected reinstatement is likely to intensify the already volatile situation. With investigations nearly complete, her return will mark a pivotal moment for the sector, potentially reigniting old feuds or forcing stakeholders to recalibrate their strategies.

The key question is whether the minister, upon her return, can navigate the murky waters of the Machakos transport sector and implement reforms that address the underlying issues of corruption and mismanagement.

As the dust settles on the EACC probe, all eyes will be on Rita Ndunge and the county administration to see how they handle the fallout and whether they can restore order to a sector that is both vital and vulnerable.