Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has revealed the reason behind her absence during President William Ruto’s development tour in the county.
The Head of State is currently on a multi-day Ukambani development circuit that began on 13th November in Makueni County, before moving to Kitui, and on Friday, culminating in Machakos.
However, as President Ruto launched key projects across Machakos, many Kenyans questioned why Governor Ndeti was notably missing, especially since her counterparts, Governors Mutula Kilonzo Jnr of Makueni and Julius Malombe of Kitui, fully accompanied the president during his tour in their counties.
Governor Ndeti has now offered a subtle clue explaining her absence, sparking mixed reactions among residents and political observers.
Speaking during a dowry payment ceremony at Kikumini in Emali, Makueni County—where she had accompanied Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Governor Ndeti defended her decision to skip President William Ruto’s development tour in her county.
Wavinya accused the Head of State of showing disrespect to the Kamba community, insisting that any attack on Kalonzo Musyoka amounts to an affront to the entire region.
She maintained that any attack on Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka amounted to an insult to the entire community, saying that when the President insulted Kalonzo, he was effectively insulting all of them. She added that Kalonzo, whom she described as a man of God, would never travel to Sugoi to insult the President.
“My people, as the Akamba community, you all know the truth. Hon. William Ruto has shown great disrespect to the Kamba people. He comes here to Ukambani and insults us. When you insult Kalonzo, you are insulting all of us. The way I know His Excellency Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka, he would never go to Sugoi and start insulting Ruto because he is a man of God,” Wavinya said.
Wavinya further explained that she saw no reason to join Ruto’s tour in Machakos, likening the situation to engaging with someone who had insulted her own father. She said that if the President disrespected her community, she had no business with him, insisting that he must show respect to her people before expecting any cooperation.
“Ruto is in my county today, but why should I go? If someone insults my father, why should I go and sit with him — what would we even talk about? If you disrespect my community, Your Excellency, I am a daughter of this community. And if my community is insulted, I am sorry, I have no business with you, even if you are the President of Kenya. Respect my people and I will respect you,” Wavinya added.
The President’s four-day programme will conclude on Saturday with a leaders’ meeting. With the governor now back from Makueni County, all eyes will be on her to see whether she will attend the session.
