By Lilian Munini
Tensions are rising over physical fights by County Inspectorate as they fight over cash and dominance.
The fights have triggered a strongly worded letter from County Secretary Dr. Muya Ndambuki that has thrown the spotlight on simmering tensions within the County Government of Machakos — , which residents accuse of operating “outside the law.”
In a circular dated February 27, 2026, and addressed to sub-county administrators, commanders, planners, ward administrators, building inspectors, revenue and inspectorate officers, among others, the County Secretary warned of “rising cases of indiscipline” reported on a daily basis.
The letter cites officers involved in scuffles among themselves, blocking revenue collection, facilitating unprocedural erection of structures, issuing irregular receipts and demonstrating a “general unwillingness to follow instructions.”
“For the avoidance of doubt these are all misdemeanors that can lead to dismissal of those involved,” Dr. Ndambuki states, adding that surveillance capacity has been enhanced and that culprits can easily be identified. Officers suspected of wrongdoing, he warns, “will face the consequences.”
But even as the internal warning circulates within county offices, members of the public say the problem runs deeper — and is more brazen — than mere indiscipline.
Residents who have participated in recent social accountability forums — including one held in Kasina, Mlolongo — claim they openly named officers they accuse of extortion, illegal levy collection and intimidation.
According to participants, the forums were marked by bitter testimonies against officers alleged to demand “mlungula” (bribes) in broad daylight in exchange for overlooking penalties, easing fines or facilitating business operations.
“If the County Secretary wants to sack officers, he should ask the public. Names will be given,” said one participant who attended the Kasina meeting.
The allegations point to a system where levy collections, penalties and enforcement actions have allegedly become avenues for personal enrichment rather than public service.
The County Inspectorate Department has particularly drawn sharp criticism.
Traders and residents allege that some officers use their enforcement mandate to bully small-scale business owners, confiscate goods arbitrarily and demand cash payments without proper receipts.
There are also claims that internal fights among officers stem from disputes over illegal collections and revenue sharing — accusations that appear to mirror the County Secretary’s reference to officers being involved in scuffles and blocking revenue collection.
One of the landmark inspectorate overeach in history is the daylight assault on Boniface Maeke, the MCA for Kimutwa Ward.
The incident, which occurred within court precincts, is still the subject of ongoing court proceedings. The MCA was beaten and robbed actions that fueled perceptions that some inspectorate officers act with impunity at the behest of county leadership.
Another perception damaging the department’s credibility is the belief among residents that inspectorate officers are “the richest cadres” within county ranks — a claim linked to alleged widespread bribe-taking.
Some residents go further, alleging that illicit collections are shared “to the top of the ladder,” though no formal findings have been made public to substantiate this.
The County Secretary’s warning that surveillance has been enhanced may signal that internal intelligence has picked up troubling trends. However, critics argue that the letter stops short of acknowledging the scale of public anger.
The Inspectorate Department occupies a sensitive space in county governance. It stands at the intersection of law enforcement, revenue collection, urban planning and daily interaction with wananchi.
When it works, order prevails and county revenue flows transparently. When it fails, it breeds resentment, economic hardship and political backlash.
For the Machakos administration, the matter is not merely administrative — it is political. Public trust in enforcement agencies can influence perceptions of the entire county leadership.
As Dr. Ndambuki’s letter warns of dismissals and enhanced surveillance, residents are now watching to see whether the crackdown will remain internal — or whether it will extend to a transparent, public-facing clean-up.
Traders in Mlolongo, Machakos town and beyond, insist that discipline must not only be preached — it must be seen.
This developing story will be updated as more information, including official responses from the Inspectorate Department and ongoing court proceedings, becomes available.
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