Leonard Njeru now known as Leo wa Muthende has stepped into the political ring with the full support of President William Ruto’s camp.
But his candidacy in the Mbeere North by-election is turning into a storm. His past marked by a Sh643 million oxygen scandal has returned to haunt him at the worst possible moment.
Njeru first came to public attention through a major procurement scandal at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Investigators linked him to forged documents, false claims and a nonfunctional oxygen plant that was meant to help patients.
The state spent millions on the project but the plant never worked. Instead it became a symbol of waste mismanagement and lost public trust.
According to reports from The Standard, officers found that key paperwork used to justify payments was fake.
The plant, which should have boosted oxygen supply for critical patients, remained idle. Lives were not saved, and the money vanished into a maze of questionable contracts.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) later reviewed the case. After months of investigation, the commission recommended that Njeru be prosecuted.
They said there was enough evidence to pursue criminal charges. Many Kenyans believed he would face justice.
Instead, something unexpected happened. Njeru disappeared from public space and resurfaced with a new name.
As Leo wa Muthende he began engaging with the community again. He rebranded himself as a grassroots man one who understands local struggles.
Then came the shock: he received the endorsement of the ruling party.
This move has sparked strong reactions. Some residents say the party is ignoring the concerns of ordinary Kenyans
Others question why a man facing such a serious scandal is being pushed for public office. Critics argue that this decision weakens the fight against corruption.
