Condemnation of Bursary-Related Assault on Machakos Ward Administrator’s Residence

Leaders in Machakos have strongly denounced the attack and vandalism of the home of Sarah Mueni Nthumbi, the Ward Administrator of Mbiuni/Kathama Ward in Mwala Sub-county. The incident, orchestrated by goons led by the local MCA, was a result of a dispute over the authority to issue bursaries.

Nthumbi’s residence was pelted with stones and vandalized, but swift police intervention prevented further damage. The mob, armed with twigs, had intentions of setting the house on fire before being dispersed by law enforcement.

Fearing the impending attack, Nthumbi sought refuge in a nearby church. She revealed that the assault was a form of protest by the MCA, who believed he should be responsible for disbursing bursary cheques.

According to Nthumbi, she had received instructions from the governor to ensure the cheques reached schools during a recent public participation forum, which the MCA had chosen not to attend. Anastasia Mutuku, the sub-county administrator and Nthumbi’s superior, clarified that Ward administrators were entrusted with the cheques if MCAs were absent at public participation forums, and those who attended were given cheques to distribute.

Mutuku urged the national government to take action against those who had threatened and attacked the Ward Administrator, emphasizing that such assaults on individuals performing their duties were unjust.

Lawrence Ngovi, the Chief of Staff of the county, visited Nthumbi’s home to assess the damage and condemned the attack. He assured the victim that the government would seek justice on her behalf. Ngovi expressed gratitude to the police for their prompt response and deemed the attack unwarranted, highlighting that the administration of bursary cheques fell under the jurisdiction of the county government.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, each of the 40 Wards in Machakos received Ksh3 million in bursaries from the county government.