By Anchor Correspondent
In the intricate theatre of Machakos politics, few characters have perfected the art of the comeback, quite like Lawrence Ngovi.
Officially, he is Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s Advisor on Public Engagement—a rather tame title for a man whose voice often echoes across public meetings minutes before the Governor’s.
To the seasoned Machakos crowd, he is the de facto Chief of Staff. Or at least, he was. Indeed, he could well be Wavinya’s last Chief without staff!
Ngovi’s career reads like a political soap opera—full of suspense, sudden exits, dramatic returns, now you see him, now you don’t, and currently, a twist involving auctioneers.
Last year, in a scene reminiscent of palace intrigue, Ngovi was bundled out of his Chief of Staff office with such finality. One would have thought it was the end of the road. In fact, Ngovi left on foot that day because his driver had been demobilised and his official car impounded.
But then, Machakos politics, like life, offers no permanent endings. Months later, he resurfaced at Wavinya’s side— powerful,refurbished, refocused, and reintroduced as the Governor’s advisor. Public engagement, of course, and becoming the most visible advisor among the nearly 30 men and women bearing the title advisor for this or that.
But just as he was reclaiming the rhythm of his second act, life handed him another script: this time, from the auctioneers. They have published their intent in a local daily, targeting his treasured Thwake Resort.
Sources whisper that the latest development stems from a personal financial entanglement—one that has less to do with county matters and more to do with the cost of proximity to power.
His confidants believe he twice mortgaged his automobile fortunes to beget a government at the Machakos White House – only that the Return on Investment has become a mirage. And Wavinya has the temerity to deploy him anyhow!
As his name features in public engagements and his voice sets the stage before the Governor’s, creditors seem to have taken notice. And action.
The creditors are disbelieving that his thunderous voice does not translate to money. Little do they know that all money in the county belongs to one person.
One might say Ngovi is learning the hard way that being too visible in local politics can be as dangerous as being invisible… it is that very visibility that causes misery. That auctioneer’s hammer? It doesn’t discriminate between official advisors and unofficial chiefs of staff.
Still, in the land of second chances and shifting titles, Ngovi may yet surprise many again. He can. After all, in Machakos, it’s not over until the advisor sings. Or speaks before the Governor—whichever comes first.
Much as matters appear to be over from far, in reality, they are far from over!
Stay Anchored!
