Former Churchill Show comedian and entrepreneur Sammy Kioko is in financial turmoil as he struggles to raise funds for his sister’s urgent medical treatment. The entertainer blames the Machakos County Government for failing to release a pending payment of KSh 19 million for a completed embroidery project — a delay that has left his business shuttered and his family in distress.
Business Collapse and Mounting Financial Pressure
Kioko revealed that the prolonged delay in payment forced him to close his tailoring business, leaving him unable to pay rent or meet staff obligations. The comedian, known for his resilience and humor, admitted that the financial strain has been overwhelming, particularly because the pending funds were intended to support his sister’s second surgery.
“When you stay silent in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor!! No one is asking for charity; it’s money for work done,” Kioko lamented in a social media post. “We have been doing regular hospital check-ups, only waiting and hoping we will be paid so we can finance her second surgery, which is due. County government, let us uphold humanity and not politicize everything. We called for help but ended up being political! It’s unfair, and all we need are our payments.”
Support from Fellow Creators and Public Reaction
Kioko’s plea quickly caught the attention of other entertainers and influencers, including Nicki BigFish, who publicly expressed solidarity with him. BigFish accused the Machakos County Government of negligence, noting that Kioko had completed the project in good faith and deserved prompt compensation. “This is not just about money — it’s about justice and humanity,” he said, urging the public to rally behind Kioko’s cause.
Protest and County’s Response
The situation escalated when Kioko staged a peaceful protest outside Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s offices, seeking an audience to resolve the matter. In response, the county administration issued a statement claiming that there was no formal contract on record between Kioko and the government — a claim the comedian has vehemently disputed. He maintains that he fulfilled all project requirements and has documentation proving the work was completed.
Wider Implications: The Cost of Bureaucratic Delays
Kioko’s ordeal has reignited public debate about the plight of freelancers, small business owners, and contractors who face delayed payments for government projects. Such delays often lead to financial collapse, emotional strain, and — in cases like Kioko’s — dire personal consequences.
His story has also drawn attention to the human cost of bureaucratic inefficiency, particularly when families are forced to delay essential medical treatments while awaiting payment for completed work.
Hope Amid Struggle
As of now, Sammy Kioko continues to campaign for the release of the pending funds. He remains hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon, enabling him to pay for his sister’s surgery and rebuild his livelihood after months of uncertainty and emotional exhaustion.
His plea serves as a poignant reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and compassion within public institutions — values that directly affect the lives and well-being of hardworking citizens.
