Commentary By Martin Masai

Wavinya’s Questionable Search for Revenue flies in The Face of Ethics and Accountability

The recent action of Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital is stirring significant debate, both within the corridors of power and among ordinary citizens.

Her dramatic search for alleged hidden county revenue—rifling through handbags, forcing open lockers, and rummaging through drawers—raises critical questions about ethics, leadership, and governance in Kenya.

On the one hand, the governor’s action could seem to highlight her purported commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring accountability in public institutions , which is a good thing.

The discovery of Kes. 1,300 in a carton, though meagre, underscores the persistence of informal cash handling systems that undermine government efforts to implement costly cashless revenue collection. The origin of the cash needs to be verified if these efforts are to bear fruit.

Such systems, if left unchecked, can lead to significant revenue haemorrhage, depriving the county of resources meant to serve its people.

Besides, the county is replete with stories of collosal amounts of cash that are delivered by contractors in huge cartons and briefcases to a protected residence in Mavoko Sub-County. This is said to be the practice for the last two years.Who will raid this residence for inspection and when?, eh Governor Wavinya ?
However, the method employed by Governor Ndeti to address this issue raises serious ethical concerns.

The decision to invade the privacy of staff—predominantly women—by searching their handbags and drawers is not only unorthodox but arguably demeaning, if not primitive.

It reflects a troubling disregard for personal dignity and the presumption of innocence, principles that should be foundational in any investigation.
Leadership, especially at the county level, requires a delicate balance between assertiveness and respect for due process.

By bypassing formal investigative mechanisms, Governor Ndeti risks alienating staff and fostering a climate of fear and mistrust within the hospital.

This terroristic approach undermines morale and could, irretrievably, erode the very structures of accountability she purports to strengthen.
Furthermore, the gendered implications of the search cannot be ignored.

Targeting handbags—a personal item closely associated with women – not only feeds into stereotypes but also  perpetuates the marginalization of women in the workplace. This, unbelievably, is happening in a female- led county!

It is difficult to imagine a similar approach being taken if the staff in question were predominantly male. Such actions reinforce systemic biases and do little to advance gender equity in leadership.

Governors and other leaders must recognize that accountability is best achieved through transparent, structured processes.

Audit systems, internal investigations, and external oversight bodies exist to address allegations of corruption and revenue mismanagement. Resorting to dramatic, chaotic, and invasive actions, however well-intentioned, risks overshadowing the larger goal of institutional reform.
Governor Ndeti’s actions also draw attention to the persistent challenges of devolution.

The rivalry between “veteran” local authority officials and newly elected leaders, coupled with accusations of financial mismanagement, underscores the need for cohesive leadership and robust systems of governance at the county level. Does Wavinya provide this? Well, it is a question The Anchor continues to find answers for.

Rather than resorting to public spectacle, leaders must invest in building trust and cooperation among staff who toil to help deliver on their mission.
While Governor Ndeti’s resolve to ending  pilfering of public funds must continue, it must begin, as the Bible says, by removing the Log in the eyes of her administration. Only then will she see the specks in the eyes of her staff.

Nevertheless, her approach at Machakos Level 5 Hospital leaves much to be desired.

Leadership is not just about taking action; it is about taking the right action.

Ethical governance demands respect for individual rights, adherence to due process, and a commitment to gender equity. Anything less risks undermining the very principles of accountability and justice that leaders are entrusted to uphold.