Comedian and businessman Sammy Kioko has found an ally in former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko after facing prolonged delays in receiving Ksh 19 million from Machakos County. Speaking on Obinna TV show on Monday evening, Kioko revealed how the unpaid funds have adversely affected his businesses and mental well-being.
Kioko claims that despite completing a county tender nearly two years ago and submitting documented proofs of delivery, the payment has yet to be made. His repeated attempts to reach senior county officials, including Governor Wavinya Ndeti, reportedly yielded no results.
In a bid to resolve the matter, show host Oga Obinna reached out to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a close ally of Governor Ndeti. However, Kalonzo’s communication team allegedly warned Obinna to stop contacting him, effectively shutting down this avenue for assistance.
With few options left, Kioko turned to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Sonko immediately offered support, inviting Kioko to his office the following morning. He assured the comedian that he would contact Governor Ndeti directly to address the stalled payment.
“I really respect the governor, so let Kioko come tomorrow morning so that we can contact the governor. You never know. Maybe the county is broke, but we will try to find a way through, even if it means getting payment in installments,” Sonko said. He added that delays might be linked to the exchequer’s late release of funds to counties.
Meanwhile, Machakos County Government has dismissed Kioko’s claims, labeling them a politically motivated attempt to tarnish Governor Ndeti’s reputation. Despite this, Kioko and his supporters remain hopeful that with Sonko’s intervention, the long-standing dispute could finally be resolved.
As the matter unfolds, the comedian’s case highlights broader challenges in county-level procurement and payment processes, emphasizing the need for timely settlements to avoid personal and business hardships.
