Ngei’s Son Seeks Justice Over Alleged Sh180 Million Fraud
By Robert Muuo
The family of the late Makindu Motors Chairman Stephen Ngei has renewed calls for justice over an alleged Sh180 million fraud that they say financially and emotionally devastated the businessman before his death.
Speaking during the burial of Ngei and his wife, Mumbua, at their Shauri Moyo home in Makindu, Makueni County, Ngei’s son, Alex, appealed to Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse to help pursue the matter with President William Ruto, saying the unresolved case had caused the family immense pain.
Alex claimed the money was lost in what has been widely referred to as the “laptop scandal,” which allegedly involved senior government officials, individuals linked to the Office of the then Deputy President William Ruto, and Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang. The allegations remain unresolved, and no court has determined liability.”My father lived under tremendous stress because of this matter. It affected our entire family. We are asking our Member of Parliament to speak to his friend, the President, so that the Sh180 million owed to my father can be recovered and justice served,” Alex told mourners.
He said the prolonged dispute took a heavy emotional toll on his father, who remained hopeful that the matter would eventually be resolved.
According to Alex, the businessman became deeply distressed as the case dragged on, at one point suffering depression while also enduring investigations that he believed were linked to the disputed transaction.
Alex also announced that he would step away from his career as a commercial pilot to take over the management of Makindu Motors, pledging to preserve his father’s business legacy and continue the company’s long-standing support for the community.
“I am leaving aviation to continue what my father started. We want to keep his dream alive and ensure the business remains stable,” he said.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse assured the family that he would continue pursuing the matter until justice is achieved.”I will not relent until this matter is fully investigated, those responsible are held accountable and justice is served to Stephen Ngei’s family,” Mutuse said.
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who described himself as a close family friend, eulogised Ngei as a visionary entrepreneur whose contribution to the transport sector transformed livelihoods across Ukambani and beyond.
Kibwana said Makindu Motors played a pivotal role in popularising affordable motorcycles, empowering thousands of boda boda operators and small-scale entrepreneurs across Kenya and the wider East African region.
“Stephen Ngei was more than a successful businessman. He created opportunities for thousands of young people and helped transform the transport sector. His legacy will live on through the many families whose livelihoods were changed by his vision,” Kibwana said.
The calls for justice came as family members and leaders paid tribute to Ngei as a humble businessman whose entrepreneurial success left an enduring mark on Kenya’s transport industry.
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