Machakos MCAs have intensified calls for the dismissal of suspended Transport, Roads and Public Works CEC Rita Ndunge Ndunda.
The MCAs who spoke during the Assembly sitting accused Rita of disrespect, abuse of office, and failure to deliver on her mandate. They allege that her tenure has been marked by arrogance and deteriorating road infrastructure across the county.
Majority Leader Nzioka Wangondi expressed frustration over Rita’s attitude towards MCAs and her poor performance.
“I once called her on the issue of the Matatu strike, but she dismissed me, claiming I was not good enough to sit in a meeting she was chairing yet I remember then I was good enough to sit in the committee that vetted and approved her appointment. We must put our foot down as a house.,” Wangondi said.
Minority leader Mbili Ndawa said the Roads and Transport department had failed in its work and there was a need to dig further into the mess saying roads in the county had not been repaired since last torrential rains.
Ndawa disclosed that he was ready to bring a censure motion against the suspended CECM Rita Ndunge, adding that during the vetting of the new health CECM Justus Kasivu, he proposed him to also become acting CECM in the roads department even before Rita Ndunge’s call recording leaked.
“This thing should not be taken lightly….instead of CECM planning how to go and do roads she is concentrating on the so-called mashimo in Machakos town. As the leader of Minority I will never seat and watch things go wrong otherwise. I thank the Governor for the quick action.” Ndawa said.
“Let that officer not come to that department or be transferred to another department because she doesn’t qualify. If you mess we will not allow you to be transferred as you will be taking the mess there. I’m calling other CECMs and Chief officers to learn from this officer, we going to take action on anyone who tarnishes the name of the county.” The Minority leader added,
Muthwani MCA Dominic Maitha pointed to an audio clip circulating on social media in which Rita allegedly admits to taking Ksh 300,000 from a Matatu Sacco owner.
“This clip is evidence enough to send her home permanently. For respect, transparency, and proper service delivery in Machakos County, Rita must go,” Maitha stated.
Maitha also questioned the County executive’s transparency, criticizing instances where dismissed CECs and Chief Officers were quietly reinstated. He called for proper consultation with the assembly before any such decisions are made.
The MCAs took offense with Rita’s alleged remarks in the alleged leaked recording saying if Matatu operators go to the Governor the Governor would insult them saying this was dragging the Governor’s name into the mud.
Alphonse Mutinda, MCA Kivaa Ward had sought a statement from the Committee on Transport, Roads, and Public Works regarding the recent matatu operators’ strike at Machakos Bus Park which resulted in a heated debate. The committee will report back to the house with findings by 4th December 2024.
