Recent reports had shown that Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s son, Prince Charles Nzuki Oduwole, has been caught up in a money laundering scheme.
According to unverified claims, Charles, a UK-Kenyan dual citizen was questioned by British anti-fraud officials after being arrested while attempting to bank £4,004,915.65 (Ksh 679 million) at First Commercial Bank in East London.
Following these claims, Ndeti responded to the reports and told off her political critics claiming they were out to distract her from delivering to the electorate.
Terming the criticisms as political propaganda, she said she was focused and hence she won’t be distracted.
“My attention has been drawn to an online smear campaign designed and sponsored, by my political detractors. This campaign is aimed at dampening the impact of the transformative work we are doing in Machakos,” she said.
Ndeti further argued that those fabricating falsity are clearly ignorant of the robust nature of UK Customs/Border Control and Financial Institutions.
“Such malicious misinformation has created perceptions about me and my family members that endanger our lives. Let the authors of this narrative be warned that should anything happen to any member of my family or myself, you shall be held personally responsible
“I can confirm that my family and I are safe and sound and remain in good standing both home and abroad. Lastly, I encourage those spewing these fabrications to arm themselves with hard evidence when the law comes knocking,” she added.
While not much is known about Charles, it is understood that his father is Joseph Henry Dolamu Oduwale, a chartered accountant in the UK.
Additionally, he studied at Strathmore School in Nairobi.
In a past interview with a local publication, Charles explained that he is getting used to the publicity he gets, but prefers to be out of the limelight.
“I am very proud of my mum but would like to remain in the background despite her achievements,” he said.
In addition to allegations of money laundering, Ndeti and Charles have reportedly come under scrutiny from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) due to their participation in a questionable dams project.
According to sources, in 2023, Wavinya Ndeti directed Chief Water Officer Abdullahi Guliye to collaborate with Charles and Salat Osman, commonly referred to as Ali, to construct 75 dams prior to the onset of the el-Nino rains.
When County Water Minister Catherine Mutanu sought to raise concerns regarding the project, Governor Wavinya issued a threat of termination against her.
The construction of the dams commenced without any formal tendering process or contract awards, leading to astonishment among personnel in both the Water and Finance departments.
“The governor and her son are the masterminds of this scandal. They have been pocketing millions of shillings from the contractor who is their close associate,” one of the sources said.
Charles had also been supplying ICT equipment including software to the County Government of Machakos.
