Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has refuted claims that she was detained in the United Kingdom together with a member of her family over claims of alleged money laundering.
Ndeti, in a press statement, termed the claims "malicious and fake news" and warned of legal action against their author and those circulating them on social media platforms.
"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,” the statement dated September 9, reads in part.
Ndeti stated that the claims were demeaning and an insult to the intelligence of the people of Machakos and Kenya at large as it is impossible to smuggle hundreds of millions of shillings.
“Those fabricating falsity are clearly ignorant of the robust nature of UK Customs/Border Control and Financial Institutions. I can confirm that my family and I are safe and sound and remain in good standing both home and abroad,” Ndeti stated.
She said she will not be distracted in her quest for better livelihoods for the people of Machakos.
“My administration is closing on nearly 1,000 projects from August 2022 and in Financial Year 2023/2024 we collected Sh1.7 billion own source revenue which is the highest ever collected in Machakos since the inception of devolution,” she wrote.
Ndeti said they shall identify, pursue and bring before the law all those peddling the reports he described as "fake".
“Such malicious misinformation has created a perception about me and my family members that endangers our lives. 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,” she stated.
“Lastly, I encourage those spewing these fabrications to arm themselves with hard evidence when the law comes knocking,” Ndeti stated.
