Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze’s grip on her constituency appears to be slipping, as a new opinion poll by the Ukambani Infortrack survey casts doubt on her prospects for re-election in the 2027 general election. The survey places Hon. Fredrick Kimanga, the current Kitui County CECM for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, as the frontrunner with a commanding 72% of the vote. Meanwhile, Nyenze languishes in third place with a mere 4.2%, trailing Hon. Vincent Munyoki, who garnered 19.43%, and ahead of CPA Ben Mbai and Hon. Benedict Muasya, each at 2%.
These results have sent ripples through Nyenze’s camp, signaling a potential end to her tenure after two consecutive terms. Her political ascent followed the untimely demise of her husband and former MP, Francis Nyenze, yet her administration now faces harsh scrutiny from disillusioned constituents.
For many in Kitui West, dissatisfaction has been brewing over what they see as stalled development and failed leadership under Nyenze. Residents cite crumbling infrastructure, such as impassable roads, as glaring indicators of neglect. Allegations of corruption in the management of the NG-CDF have only fueled frustrations. A damning report from last year spotlighted the constituency’s CDF manager, Mr. Ndonga, who allegedly admitted to mishandling funds with impunity, claiming in a WhatsApp group that the millions allocated for development is for tea and delicious meal for him and boss(Edith)
This perception of mismanagement has alienated many voters, leaving Nyenze vulnerable to political challengers like Kimanga, whose leadership and vision are being hailed as a breath of fresh air.
Hon. Fredrick Kimanga’s rising popularity in Kitui West stems from his reputation for effective governance. His tenure as CECM for Lands has earned him widespread praise for championing development and delivering results. Supporters view him as a credible alternative to Nyenze, someone capable of addressing the constituency’s long-standing issues with infrastructure and economic stagnation.
Although Kimanga has yet to formally declare his candidacy, his supporters are rallying behind him as the ideal leader to bring transformative change. “Kimanga represents hope for Kitui West,” said a local resident. “We need someone with a vision and the experience to deliver, and he fits the bill.”
The poll results have set the stage for a highly charged contest in Kitui West. With Kimanga emerging as the clear favorite and Nyenze struggling to regain her footing, the battle for the constituency’s future promises to be one of the most watched in Ukambani politics. Whether Edith Nyenze can mount a comeback or whether Fredrick Kimanga will capitalize on his momentum to usher in a new era of leadership remains to be seen. For now, the winds of change are unmistakable, and Kitui West appears ready to embrace a new direction.
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RE: INVESTIGATIONS INTO TENDERS AT UNIVERSAL TRADERS SACCO (UTS)
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is a public body established under Section 3 (1) of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2011
The mandate of EACC is to combat and prevent corruption, economic crime and unethical conduct in Kenya through law enforcement, prevention, public education, promotion of standards and practices of integrity, ethics and anti-corruption.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission gathers information on corruption occurring in Government and the public Sector from a variety of sources.
These sources include members of the public, heads of government departments and agencies, officials working in both the public and private sectors and the media.
For avoidance of doubt, as members of UTS Sacco it is the time the EACC steps in and commence investigations concerning tendering at Universal Traders Sacco (UTS).
As Sacco members, we are seeking an extensive audit and the removal of the Sacco’s top officials for plundering funds and flaunting unexplained wealth.
We have lost faith in the Chairman Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer.
The extravagant lifestyles and wealth displayed by CEO Dominic Mutunga and Chairman Fredricjk Ngumbi far exceeds their known income.
The Sacco’s financial health is also under scrutiny, with calls for a forensic audit to uncover the true extent of the mismanagement.
Below is the Sacco register of suppliers for various Goods & Services for the financial years 2024 & 2025. This register MUST be investigated.
>UTS/010/2024/25 Supply and Maintenance of Signage’s & Outdoor advertising
>UTS/019/2024/25 Provision of Corporate Branded Promotional Materials and Staff Uniforms and Corporate Wear.
>UTS/030/2024/25 Provision of Branded Mask, Reflectors, T shirts and Carrier bags
>UTS/025/2024/25 Provision of Data Communication Services, Computer Networks and Structured Cabling.
>UTS/015/2024/25 Provision of Human Resources Consultancy and Training Services
>UTS/031/2024/25 Supply of Calendars and Dairies books
>UTS/035/2024/25 Provision of Marketing Research & Consultancy Services
>UTS/034/2024/25 Provision of ICT Consultancy Services
2022
>UTS/005/2022 Supply of motor vehicle accessories
>UTS/009/2022 Supply and Maintenance of Generators, Inverters and UPS
>UTS/012/2022 Supply of ICT Equipment and Repair and Maintenance of Computer Systems, Servers, Routers and Printers.
>UTS/016/2022 Provision of Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation Services including Repairs and Maintenance.
>UTS/034/2022 Provision of ICT Consultancy Services
>UTS/022/2022 Provision of Sanitary Services & Garbage Disposal
Evidence has shown there is massive corruption and unethical conduct within the cooperative sector which has resulted in loss of millions in member’s savings.
At Universal Traders Sacco (UTS), most of the account holders are not aware if their accounts have been debited; they normally don’t take any corrective measures until they apply for loan facilities, only to discover that their accounts have been interfered with.
Members are aware that Sasra top officials have failed to conduct an onsite inspection exercise on the operations of the Sacco.
The level of impunity by the management of UTS Sacco is worrying, and a good number of members have opted to withdraw their membership and join rival Sacco’s.
Documents show there is massive corruption and unethical conduct within the Sacco which has resulted in loss of millions in member’s savings.
For example, the lapses at Machakos Town and Embu Branches include failure to adhere to loan approval processes, members of the credit committee approving loans beyond their recommended limits as per the credit policy, and loans being approved without the requisite documentation.
There is widespread fear that the operations of the Embu Branch may grind to a halt if these activities are left to continue, which may easily lead to massive withdrawals by members to salvage their savings from being squandered by the current management.
There are also calls from members that independent investigations should be carried out on the controversial Land and Dairy Cows project, where some members lost their money.
Corruption, dishonesty, and lack of integrity have been rife in many Saccos.
The crucial role of the co-operative movement in social economic development cannot be ignored, given the huge membership and the amount of money Saccos handle.
Kenyans have entrusted Saccos with their hard-earned savings in the hope that they would in return get affordable credit.
But many have been disappointed as some corrupt Sacco managers have embezzled money they hold in trust.
In 2021, the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate officials who steal funds from Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs).
The deal established the Sacco Societies Fraud Investigation Unit similar to the Anti-Fraud Unit at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), that police activity of Banks.
The Unit comprises specialized officers seconded from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and is functionally supported by SASRA’s technical staff.
This fraud investigation unit should collaborate with the Authority to develop and implement robust market surveillance and monitoring mechanism to prevent frauds or disrupt planned fraudulent activities in the SACCOs sub-sector.
SACCOs are also encouraged to undertake indemnity covers to safeguard against attacks.
As members, we are aware that recently, EACC warned corrupt cartels in the cooperative movement to reform or else the Commission would initiate “lifestyle audits of all the personnel charged with the running of Saccos to catch those who have accumulated unexplained wealth”
There are certain SACCOs that now have higher governance thresholds such as requiring any director to indemnify the Society against any losses that might occur due to the person being in office.
Finally, as members, we want CEO Dominic Mutunga and his chairman Fredrick Ngumbi shown the door.