Governor Wavinya Ndeti gave Kes. 20,000 to 30 Machakos- based journalists

By Anchor Correspondent

Machakos-based journalists reportedly walked away with Ksh 20,000 each after a meeting with Governor Wavinya Ndeti, where they were allegedly asked to tone down their coverage of the ongoing political battle in the county assembly.

The Anchor was told in strict confidence by a source who admitted receiving the money revealed that the payout negotiations were facilitated by Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi.

The figure was suggested by some media operator at the behest of the rest after Mwangangi asked them what they would like from the governor in the light of the unfolding political temperatures in the county. The DG did not respond to a call from The Anchor to respond to the account of events. The DG later told The Anchor that he only attended a Kenya Association of Manufacturers meeting with the Governor and denied being party to the cash negotiations and payments.

However, the Anchor stands by the story.

This came after the journalists were summoned from a press conference held by MCAs opposing the impeachment of Speaker Ann Kiusya. The motion is backed by Governor Wavinya.

Upon arrival at the governor’s office, a security officer allegedly confiscated their mobile phones to prevent any recordings of the meeting. During the discussion, Mwangangi reportedly asked the journalists what they wanted from the governor given the tense political climate. After a brief consultation, he left to confer with the governor and later returned with her.

Governor Wavinya is said to have engaged the journalists in a conversation, urging them to tone down the sharp rhetoric aired by the MCAs. In the end, the meeting appeared to be an attempt to counter the MCAs’ narrative, raising concerns about media independence and press freedom.

Earlier in the day, over 20 MCAs had held a press conference accusing the governor of using public funds to sway the impeachment process, claiming she had promised Ksh 400,000 to each of the 30 MCAs backing the motion against Speaker Kiusya.

The first summons for journalists came while the MCAs’ briefing was still ongoing. The call was reportedly made by the governor’s advisor, Lawrence Ngovi, followed by additional calls from Deputy Governor Mwangangi, instructing all journalists who had covered the event to report to the governor’s office, known as the “White House.”

The unfolding controversy has intensified concerns over press freedom and governance integrity in Machakos County, as political tensions continue to escalate.

This is a developing story.