Comedian and entrepreneur Sammy Kioko has expressed deep concern after Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti accused him of tarnishing her name over claims of an unpaid KSh 19 million debt. Kioko alleges that the Machakos County Government owes him the amount for an embroidery job completed two years ago, which he says remains unsettled.
Kioko’s Plea for Payment and Struggles
The former Churchill Show comedian first went public about the issue last week, revealing that he had supplied uniforms for county askaris but had not received payment. After several failed attempts to reach the governor, Kioko reportedly camped outside her offices overnight in a desperate attempt to get her attention.
Speaking about his struggles, Kioko shared that the payment delay had plunged him into financial distress, forcing him to close his tailoring business. He said he could no longer afford rent or pay his employees, adding that the situation had taken a toll on his mental health.
Machakos County Government Denies Any Contract
On October 31, the Machakos County Government issued a public statement denying any financial ties with Kioko. The county said it had reviewed its procurement records and found no contract or supplier registration associated with him. Officials dismissed his allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, claiming that the issue was being used to discredit Governor Ndeti’s leadership.
Kioko Presents Evidence and Defends His Claim
In response, Kioko shared screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, receipts, and documents he claimed supported his case. “I went to the procurement office in Machakos. They accused me of tarnishing the governor’s name and asked what posting my plight online had achieved. I have facts and receipts,” he said.
Kioko maintained that his intention was not political but purely to seek payment for completed work. He added that he had already spoken to both the deputy governor and the individual who facilitated the contract. “All we wanted was to be paid. We never intended for this matter to become public,” he explained.
Public Reactions and Calls for Accountability
The standoff between Kioko and the Machakos County Government has ignited wide debate on social media. Many Kenyans have expressed sympathy for the comedian, urging the county to address the matter transparently. Others have raised questions about the integrity of procurement processes within county governments.
Hope for Resolution
Despite the tension, Kioko said he remains hopeful that the truth will emerge and justice will be served. He emphasized that his goal is not to ruin anyone’s reputation but to seek fairness and closure over the alleged debt. “I just want what I worked for to be paid. Nothing more, nothing less,” he affirmed.
