In an unexpected turn of events that has taken political observers by surprise, Ukambani businessman Abedinecho Katue has pledged to lend Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti KSh19 million to help settle a long-standing debt owed to local entrepreneur Sammy Kioko.
Katue made the announcement during a press briefing held in Nairobi on Sunday, declaring that the funds would be available within 24 hours to facilitate the repayment.
The debt originates from a 2023 infrastructure contract dispute, where Kioko, a supplier of construction materials, accused the Machakos County government of defaulting on payments for a delayed road rehabilitation project. Although Kioko later secured a court judgment in his favour, enforcement stalled due to the county’s budgetary limitations, creating tension between the business community and county administrators.
Speaking during the briefing, Katue emphasized that his intervention was purely economic, not political.
“This is about supporting Machakos and ensuring vital projects are not derailed by avoidable financial hurdles,” he said.
According to reports, the loan will be interest-free, with repayment dependent on the county’s financial recovery.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti responded cautiously, welcoming the businessman’s gesture but underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to public finance laws.
“We appreciate Mr. Katue’s initiative, but any financial arrangements will follow full transparency and legal protocols,” her office stated.
The announcement has, however, sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans. Supporters have praised the move as a pragmatic step that could ease Machakos County’s financial burden, potentially allowing the local government to focus on essential services such as healthcare, education, and road development.
Critics, on the other hand, have raised concerns about the ethics and precedent such a transaction might set. They argue that private loans to public officials could blur the lines between personal goodwill and public accountability, especially in a region where financial transparency remains a sensitive issue.
Abedinecho Katue, who maintains a relatively low public profile, is a well-established businessman from Kitui County. Over the years, he has grown his transport company into a diversified empire spanning real estate, logistics, and agriculture.
While his gesture could temporarily relieve Machakos County from financial pressure, analysts warn that the episode opens up broader discussions about the influence of private wealth in public governance and the ethical boundaries of such interventions.
As the 24-hour window set by Katue draws to a close, both residents and political watchers are keenly observing whether the pledge will materialize — and what its impact might be on the future of county accountability and fiscal management.