Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has accused United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-aligned Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) of blocking the county’s 2026/27 budget, alleging they were acting on instructions from President William Ruto.
In a video seen on Saturday, November 7, Wavinya claimed the leaders had been sent to frustrate the passage of the budget, warning that the delay would affect development projects and the delivery of essential services.
“Mr President, there are people who claim you sent them to reject Machakos County’s budget, and they are from UDA. Even you, without a budget, cannot do anything. They are refusing to pass this budget, and it is not me they are hurting but the people of Machakos,” she said.
Wavinya Puts Ruto on the Spot Over Machakos Budget Dispute
Addressing Ruto, the governor questioned how the county would deliver services without an approved budget, including supplying medicines to public hospitals.
Wavinya added that residents were entitled to development and access to medicine in hospitals, questioning how the President would seek their votes if the budget remained blocked.
The governor’s remarks point to growing political tensions over the county’s budget and the role of national political leaders in local development affairs.
This was not the first time Wavinya had criticised Ruto over the management of Machakos County. In June 2025, the governor lashed out at the President, accusing him of interfering in the county’s internal affairs.
She further blamed his administration for fuelling political instability in Machakos, particularly within the County Assembly.
“The way we have given you stability to run Kenya and other counties is the same way I expect you to give me stability to work for the people of Machakos. The same people I’m working for in Machakos are the same you are working for. You and I are elected; the Speaker is not. You should not stoop that low,” she said.
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Machakos County Assembly Faces Shutdown Over Budget Deadlock
On October 15, 2026, Machakos MCAs warned that the County Assembly faced a possible shutdown over a prolonged deadlock over the 2026/27 financial year budget, which could delay October salaries and allowances for legislators and staff.
Led by Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka, the lawmakers said the lack of an approved budget had strained the Assembly’s finances, disrupted planned programmes and threatened its daily operations.
The warning followed a notice issued by Speaker Anne Kiusya on October 9, announcing the suspension of the Assembly’s medical cover over unpaid insurance premiums.
The notice also disclosed that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had issued a tax agency notice over unremitted income tax and housing levy deductions for the July to September 2026 period.
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Speaking to the media outside the Assembly offices, Nzioka said the institution was struggling to meet its financial obligations.
“The Assembly is on the brink of collapse. MCAs and staff may not receive salaries and allowances for October because we have no budget. Operations are paralyzed,” he said.
Nzioka urged Speaker Kiusya to table a memorandum submitted by Governor Wavinya Ndeti, arguing that MCAs had not received copies and needed an opportunity to debate and decide on its contents.
Deputy Speaker Stephen Mwanthi also called for the memorandum to be presented before the House, warning that continued disagreements could worsen the situation.
Meanwhile, Finance Committee Chairperson and Ndalani Ward MCA Francis Kitaka appealed to members to set aside personal differences and embrace dialogue.
The lawmakers warned that the impasse could affect funding for bursaries, road construction, water projects and healthcare services, calling for adherence to Assembly procedures to restore normal operations.
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