Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti on Sunday denied allegations circulating online that she was detained in a foreign country over involvement in money laundering.
The accusations, which claim that Ndeti was apprehended while attempting to smuggle hundreds of millions of shillings into the United Kingdom, have been labelled by the governor as baseless and politically instigated.
In a statement, Ndeti described the rumours as a smear campaign orchestrated by her political opponents to undermine her administration's work in Machakos County.
"My attention has been drawn to an online smear campaign designed and sponsored by my political detractors. This campaign is aimed at dampening the impact of the transformative work we are doing in Machakos," she stated.
Ndeti dismissed the claims as absurd, questioning the logic behind the accusations.
"It is demeaning and an insult to the intelligence of the people of Machakos and Kenya to imagine that I would smuggle hundreds of millions of shillings on my person to the United Kingdom and that I have been detained," she added. The allegations estimated the amount at Ksh679 million.
The governor emphasised her family's safety and well-being, reassuring her supporters that neither she nor her family had been detained or involved in any disapproved activities abroad.
"I can confirm that my family and I are safe and sound and remain in good standing both at home and abroad," she asserted.
Ndeti further condemned those behind the allegations, accusing them of defamation and misuse of electronic media to spread falsehoods.
She, therefore, warned that the malicious misinformation not only tarnishes her reputation but also poses a serious risk to the safety of her family.
"Such malicious misinformation has created perceptions about me and my family members that endanger our lives," Ndeti warned.
"Let the authors of this narrative be warned that should anything happen to any member of my family or myself, you shall be held personally responsible."
Ndeti further reiterated her administration's commitment to delivering transformative projects in Machakos County, highlighting key achievements under her leadership.
She cited the completion of nearly 1,000 projects since August 2022 and record revenue collection in the fiscal year 2023/2024, where Ksh1.7 billion was collected, the highest ever in the county’s history.
