Comedian Sammy Kioko has drawn public attention after camping outside a governor’s office overnight, seeking to address delayed payment for work he claims to have completed for the county government nearly two years ago. The frustrated entertainer took to social media to share his ordeal, appealing for help after multiple failed attempts to meet the county’s top leadership.
In a video posted from his car, Kioko revealed that he had been waiting since morning outside what he referred to as “the White House” — the nickname for the Machakos County Governor’s Office. He expressed disappointment toward individuals who had earlier promised to connect him with the governor but failed to come through when he needed their assistance the most.
“Some friends are liars. They say they have connections when you don’t need them. They told me I could see the governor if I wanted, but when I needed their help, they didn’t even have the governor’s number,” he lamented.
Kioko, known for his performances on The Churchill Show and his later ventures into independent comedy production, said he had supplied items and offered services to the county but has yet to be compensated. He described the two-year wait as emotionally and financially draining, noting that he had exhausted all formal channels to resolve the issue.
“There are people who have ensured that I have not seen the governor. Things are not okay. I did work and supplied items for the county. How long does it take to pay? I’ve suffered enough,” he said, appealing directly to the county leadership for intervention.
Social media users quickly rallied behind him, expressing outrage at the alleged delay in payment and calling for greater accountability within county procurement systems. Many sympathized with his situation, with some urging him to stay strong while others criticized corruption and inefficiency in public offices.
“You can feel the pain in his voice,” one commenter wrote, while another added, “Working with government institutions is always a gamble — they delay your money until you give up.”
Kioko, who recently built a new home for his mother as a testament to his success, said the ordeal had taken a toll on his mental health and finances. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope that his public appeal would prompt the relevant authorities to address his case and ensure fair compensation for his work.
His persistence has since sparked a wider conversation about artists and small business owners struggling to receive payments from government institutions — an issue many Kenyans say remains a silent but painful reality.
