This archive report was first published on 30 July 2020.
July 30, 2020
Governor Alfred Mutua's recent cabinet reshuffle has sparked controversy in Machakos, with many MCAs smelling a rat. The reshuffle, which saw several key officials moved, has been attributed to the influence of County First Lady Lilian Ng'ang'a.
Before the reshuffle, Mrs. Mutua had warned her aides to expect a shocking change. She had celebrated her 35th birthday on June 22 by running a 35km marathon, and her influence in the county administration has been growing.
One of the officials moved was Morris Aluanga, who was shifted from the plum roads, transport and public works docket to water and irrigation. Aluanga is said to be one of the CECs who swim in millions of shillings, and there are allegations that he was engaged in an illicit love affair with a lady who calls the shots at the county.
Aluanga's docket has been taken over by Naomi Mutie, who swapped slots with him. Francis Mwako was moved from trade, industrialization, innovation and tourism, youth, sports and culture, while Ruth Mutua was moved to education, skills training and social welfare.
Titus Kavila, the minister for county administration and decentralized units, was suspended on claims of sexually harassing female workers. However, one of his aides dismissed the allegations as gossip of the highest order.
Lazarus Kivuva is now the acting county administration CEC, and Ruth Mutua has been moved to education. James Kathii, the county legal officer, has been nominated as a county member of Mutua's kitchen cabinet and will be vetted by the county assembly MCAs.
