Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has responded to comedian Sammy Kioko’s claims over pending supplier payments, outlining the county’s position in a statement on X.
She expressed concern over Kioko’s hospitalisation following his arrest at the county headquarters on March 31, saying the government does not condone violence and urged all parties to allow due process.
Ndeti said uniforms for the Inspectorate department were supplied by Movata Designs, a company linked to Kioko, but maintained that Kioko is not a registered supplier of the county.
“Our records indicate that Mr Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier of the County Government of Machakos. The entity that supplied Inspectorate uniforms is Movata Designs,” she said.
She added that any individual acting on behalf of the company must present proper legal authorisation, including a power of attorney or formal appointment.
RE: CLARIFICATION ON PENDING SUPPLIER PAYMENTS AND RECENT EVENTS IN MACHAKOS TOWN
Fellow residents of Machakos County,
I wish to address the public following recent statements and events involving Mr. Sammy Kioko and the concerns raised regarding alleged non-payment for…
— Wavinya Ndeti Oduwole, EGH (@Wavinya_Ndeti) April 1, 2026
The governor confirmed that Movata Designs delivered the uniforms, but said the consignment was incomplete and arrived at the close of the 2023/2024 financial year, preventing inspection and formal acceptance. The payment was therefore classified as a pending bill under public finance procedures.
Ndeti said the county established committees to verify unpaid claims following advice from the Auditor-General and the Controller of Budget. The verification team reviewed pending bills worth Sh3.8 billion, approving Sh2.1 billion and rejecting Sh1.6 billion.
Of the rejected claims, Sh927 million related to unverified legal fees, while Sh757 million lacked supporting documentation.
She said the county has so far paid Sh642.3 million of the verified amount, leaving a balance of about Sh1.48 billion.
“Since assuming office, my administration has made deliberate progress. Out of the eligible historical pending bills of Sh2.12 billion, we have settled Sh642.3 million, leaving a balance of Sh1.48 billion,” she said.
Kioko is recovering at Nairobi West Hospital after an alleged altercation with Machakos County enforcement officers during a protest over unpaid contracts.
He was initially treated at facilities in Athi River and Kang’undo before being transferred to Nairobi. Kioko claims his firm supplied uniforms worth Sh19 million but has only received Sh20,000, which he says he can verify with payment records.
The confrontation reportedly occurred after he led a demonstration at the county headquarters, calling on other suppliers to demand payment.
The dispute has sparked mixed reactions online, with some users urging the county to settle the claim and others questioning the verification process.
