By Martin Masai
Machakos Devolution Minister Joyce Mwikali Muindi is missing from Wavinya Ndeti's cabinet in a quiet reshuffle, The Anchor has established.
The new postings were made personally to the affected officials through the County Secretary Dr. Muya Ndambuki.
Efforts to obtain comment from Governor Ndeti did not succeed since she remained mute on the matter.
The shuffling has seen Water Minister Catherine Mutanu moved to Agriculture ministry while Dr Joel Nzomo was moved to Devolved Units. Water ministry sources say Mutanu did not hand over to anyone and will most likely act as Minister for water until Governor Wavinya makes up her mind on whom to appoint.
Her appointment as substantive Agriculture boss is a signal however that Mutanu is leaving the water docket that has been immersed in controversy over dams said to have been paid for without tangible works being done.
Mutano yesterday afternoon reported to her new office and introduced to senior staff
We also established that Chief Officer Col Wathi has been moved from Inspectorate and Emergency Services to the Department of Innovation in Trade Ministry to replace Joseph Mutwiwa Munyao, who was removed for using fake certificates from the University of Nairobi.
The Anchor also learned that the Governor's Communications Chief Officer Mr Dan Mule resigned a week ago. He did not respond to a request to confirm circumstances leading to his sudden departure.
Muindi's departure comes after witnessing a scuffle at her Department between Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka and Col Wathi last Tuesday.
Her departure also comes hot on the heels of open disagreements with Col Wathi over mushrooming of illegal kiosks on any open space in the Machakos Municipality.
News of the changes remain hushed.
Early yesteday, the County Secretary (CS) Dr. Muya Ndambuki introduced former police officer Francis Munyambu as Director of the Inspectorate and Emergency Services.
As director, Munyambu is escaping vetting by the County Assembly. Neither was his position advertised and competitivel filled as per the law.
Those privy to the appointment of the former Senator Aspirant for Machakos say he will wield powers of Chief Officer. Munyambu has previously held position of Commander of Nairobi Metropolitan Police after being appointed by former Governor Evans Kidero.
Dr. Ndambuki convened a consultative Inspectorate Departmental Meeting at the D.U Headquarters. It was also attended by Mercy Mutua - Chief Officer of Administration and Decentralized Units, Mr. Francis Musembi Munyambu - the new Director of Inspectorate, Fire Fighting, and Emergency Services, Mr. Samuel Ngila - Machakos County Commander alongside his Deputy, and all Sub-County level Commanders.
Munyambu will head a unit where his son is serving as a senior commander.
More to follow.
