Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has addressed claims that she was recently stranded in the United Kingdom after a bank refused to accept a large deposit of Ksh 679 million.
Online reports have alleged that a UK bank turned down the transaction due to concerns about the legitimacy of the money.
An with some even claiming that Ndeti’s son, Charlie Oduwale, was arrested while holding the cash and could not provide a convincing explanation for its origin.
According to these rumors, the Governor allegedly told UK authorities that the funds were earmarked for a new Level 5 hospital meant to serve Machakos residents living abroad.
However, the claims suggested that the UK authorities were not convinced, and the situation escalated, leaving Ndeti unable to complete the deposit.
Wavinya Ndeti Denies Allegations
Governor Ndeti has come out strongly against these allegations.
She called them “utter nonsense” and a “cheap political stunt” aimed at damaging her reputation.
“It is demeaning and absurd to think I would smuggle millions of shillings into the UK and be detained over such a thing,” Ndeti said.
“These rumors are not only false but also insulting to the intelligence of the people of Machakos and Kenya at large.”
She stressed that the claims are completely false and added that anyone familiar with international banking and customs would know such a situation is impossible.
“Those making these allegations clearly have no idea how stringent UK Customs and Financial Institutions are,” she added.
“It is laughable to imagine that anyone could just walk into a foreign bank with millions in cash and expect to deposit it without questions.”
Allegations Driven by Politics
Ndeti suggested that the rumors were the work of political enemies who are determined to undermine her leadership and spread fear among her supporters.
“This is a targeted smear campaign by those who fear my leadership and the progress we are making in Machakos,” she said.
“They are trying to distract me and my administration from delivering on the promises we made to the people.”
Ndeti also voiced her concern that the false rumors were putting her family’s safety at risk.
“Those spreading these lies should be aware that if anything happens to me or my loved ones, they will be held personally responsible.”
Legal Action on the Horizon
The Governor said she intends to take legal action against those spreading what she called defamatory lies.
“I have instructed my lawyers to begin the process of identifying and bringing to justice all those who have been involved in spreading this false information,” Ndeti declared.
“This is not just about defending my name but also about standing up against the misuse of digital platforms to spread dangerous lies.”
The rumors sparked mixed reactions online.
Some called for Ndeti’s arrest upon her return.
While others defended her, saying the claims were politically motivated to distract from her work in Machakos County.
By Vivian K.