Zanzibar Trip Lifts the Lid on Alleged Sexual Misconduct, Favoritism, and Toxic Culture in Nairobi DG Njoroge Muchiri’s Office

Nairobi, Kenya — What was meant to be a routine county delegation to Zanzibar has spiraled into a full-blown scandal engulfing Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, exposing a simmering mix of sexual misconduct allegations, unchecked favoritism, and a collapsing chain of professional decorum inside City Hall.

According to multiple sources within the Nairobi County Government, Muchiri’s office has become a hotbed of personal entanglements and administrative dysfunction — with a Zanzibar trip now spotlighting months of internal turmoil that had largely remained beneath the surface.

A love triangle at the heart of power

At the center of the controversy are two women — Kellen Muna, who was recently catapulted from a junior protocol role to the coveted post of personal assistant, and Peris Macharia, the office secretary. Both are reportedly entangled in a bitter rivalry, allegedly competing for Muchiri’s attention and influence in what insiders describe as a toxic love triangle.

“What used to be a professional space has turned into a daily soap opera,” said one senior officer familiar with the inner workings of the office, speaking to Kenya Insights on condition of anonymity. “It’s no longer about public service. It’s about who gets to sit closest to the DG.”

The Zanzibar showdown

The tension came to a head earlier this month during an official Nairobi County trip to Zanzibar.

Muna, conspicuously left off the official delegation list, reportedly traveled to the island at her own expense — raising eyebrows and deepening suspicions about her motives.

Peris Macharia, who was on the official itinerary, is said to have clashed openly with Muna during the trip. Witnesses within the delegation described a “tense and awkward” environment, with the office’s internal conflicts spilling into what was supposed to be a high-level diplomatic mission.

“It was shameful,” another staffer noted. “Instead of representing Nairobi’s interests, we were caught up in silent wars, side glances, and passive-aggressive jabs between the DG’s aides.”

Fast-track promotions, fading morale

Muchiri’s decision to replace long-serving personal assistant Solomon Kuria with Muna has further deepened discontent.

Kuria, who now holds a largely ceremonial role, is said to be disillusioned and frustrated.

“Her promotion had nothing to do with merit,” said another insider.

“It was a decision made behind closed doors, clearly influenced by personal ties, not performance.”

This sentiment is reportedly widespread within the office, with multiple staffers citing favoritism, micromanagement, and moral compromise as growing issues under Muchiri’s leadership.

Allegations of harassment and intimidation

Former staff members, including a protocol officer known only as “Too,” have accused Deputy Governor Muchiri of misconduct ranging from verbal abuse to inappropriate demands.

“He would show up to work intoxicated, lash out at junior officers, and make sexually suggestive remarks,” said Too, who claims he was dismissed after challenging the DG’s behavior. “It became unbearable.”

While City Hall remains officially silent on these claims, the mounting testimonials paint a picture of a workplace environment ruled by fear, favoritism, and fractured loyalties.

Calls for accountability grow louder

Civil society organizations and watchdog groups are now calling for urgent investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The allegations, if proven, could amount to gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of ethical codes for public servants.

“This isn’t just office gossip,” said Jane Wanjiru, a governance advocate with the Nairobi Accountability Network.

“These are serious claims that demand immediate attention. Nairobians deserve leaders who embody integrity, not ones embroiled in petty rivalries and power games.”

A leadership crisis

The scandal comes at a time when Nairobi is grappling with serious service delivery issues — from waste management to urban planning and transport chaos. 

Critics now fear that political distractions and leadership failures are compromising the county’s ability to address its core mandates.

“It’s a tragic irony,” Wanjiru added. “While residents are begging for better drainage and housing, our leaders are playing out personal dramas in Zanzibar.”

What next for DG Muchiri?

As pressure mounts and more insiders speak out, Deputy Governor Muchiri could soon find himself facing not just public scrutiny but formal legal consequences. So far, his office has declined to comment.

But as the story continues to unravel, one thing is clear, the crisis in the DG’s office is no longer a private affair. It is now a matter of public accountability.