Wavinya Ndeti mocks Alfred Mutua over ‘Cobra Squad’ return as she defends Machakos record

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has mocked former governor Alfred Mutua for what she sees as his attempt to revive his "Cobra Squad" filming career. Mutua, now a Cabinet Secretary, appeared to be making a comeback at a time when his political standing within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) may be waning. Ndeti made her remarks in a statement on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after Mutua announced a "mini-tour" of Machakos Town to question the state of facilities he claimed were developed during his tenure as governor.

The former governor's tour, which included visits to Machakos Level 5 Hospital and Machakos People's Park, has sparked a new political debate over the county's development record. While Mutua focused on maintenance and the need for proper management, Ndeti highlighted new investments and service delivery. Mutua praised the hospital staff but criticized the deteriorating condition of the People's Park, suggesting it lacked proper maintenance.

Ndeti countered by emphasizing her administration's investments, such as the Machakos Youth Service, Maziwa ya Mama initiative, and ECDE School Feeding Programme, which aimed to empower young people and improve healthcare and education. She also mentioned infrastructure projects, such as tarmacking major roads and upgrading healthcare facilities.

Ndeti urged that the county's development story should be judged by the tangible results it delivers to residents, rather than political appearances or past projects. Meanwhile, Mutua argued that development must be visible, sustained, and felt beyond the tenure of the leaders who initiate projects. The clash underscores the competing narratives of Machakos' development record: Mutua's emphasis on maintenance and accountability versus Ndeti's focus on new programmes and infrastructure.

For residents, the dispute ultimately centers on whether public investment is effectively translating into services and facilities that can be seen, used, and sustained.