By The Anchor Writer
In a surprising turn of events, ousted Machakos County Chief of Staff, Lawrence Ngovi, returned to the office today amid ongoing internal conflicts that have plagued Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration.
This move comes despite an official announcement from the County Secretary, Dr. Muya Ndambuki, in July, declaring Ngovi’s dismissal, effective July 19, 2024. In the terse notice, Dr. Ndambuki stated that Ngovi was “no longer authorized to transact any business on behalf of the county.”
Ngovi’s return, speculated since end of September and throughout October, follows his pivotal role in organizing Governor Ndeti’s return from a contentious trip to the United Kingdom, where allegations of her involvement in a Kes. 670m cash-haul incident surfaced, only to be fervently denied by the governor.
Ngovi marked his return with an inspection tour of the Kes. 5 billion Muindi Mbingu Level 6 Hospital and the Machakos Sports Center, accompanied by Sports Minister Sharon Mutua.
It was designed to be a silent return for Ngovi due to the embarrassment the saga brings to Wavinya’s administration as it puts up a brave face after the recent dressing down before the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee.
Curiously, there was no formal communication from the county executive about his reinstatement. Instead, a brief post on the county’s official Facebook page mentioned Ngovi as Chief of Staff, inspecting the two projects on the governor’s instructions, leaving room for further speculation.
Ngovi’s dismissal, attributed to an intense power struggle within the governor’s office, reportedly involved Finance Minister Muia Kuyu and County Secretary Dr. Ndambuki on one side, clashing with Ngovi and former Health Minister Dr. Daniel Yumbya on the other.
Yumbya, a hitherto strong beacon for the governor and a right- hand man for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, threw in the towel unceremoniously on August 1, 2024, catching both flatfooted.
A hunt for his replacement is ongoing, now heading to the fourth month. Mr Justus Kasivu, the Medical Services Chief Officer, has been nominated as his successor.
Those who leave never give reasons – just as Wavinya never explains the cause of dismissals.
Analysts have noted that Ngovi’s return appears to be a concession by Governor Ndeti, likely due to pressure from Kathiani Sub-County, which has seen several of its officials targeted in this administrative power struggle.
Ngovi, a high-profile figure embroiled in the Ndeti administration’s chaotic quest for control and influence, is known to be among the heaviest investors in Wavinya, leading him into financial chaos.
His return underscores the intensity of Wavinya’s fight to secure stability that has characterized Ndeti’s two-year tenure
Within the periof, several officials have either resigned or been dismissed, leading to having many officials appointed on an acting basis in a desperate attempt to stabilise ship.
Rumours of corruption have further clouded the governor’s administration, with Ngovi allegedly facing accusations of leaking sensitive information about dealings implicating Governor Ndeti and her son, Charles Nzuki Oduwole.
Social media has been abuzz with claims of multimillion-shilling projects linked to the governor, including Mwaitu Plaza and a County Lodge near her residence, allegedly a venue for cabinet and private meetings.
Observers are watching closely to see if Ngovi’s reappearance signals a shift in the power dynamics within Machakos County’s leadership—or merely foreshadows the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
Coming up… two more top officials quit Wavinya’s government
About the Author
