Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has issued a detailed statement clarifying the county’s position on pending supplier payments and the recent unrest in Machakos Town involving comedian Sammy Kioko.
The statement follows a dramatic incident on March 31, 2026, where Kioko was reportedly assaulted during a protest over an alleged KSh 19 million payment dispute with the county government.
Governor Ndeti condemned the events that unfolded in Machakos Town, emphasizing that her administration does not condone violence in any form.
Sammy Kioko Not a Registered Supplier
In a key clarification, the county government stated that Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier. According to official records, the company contracted to supply inspectorate uniforms is Movata Designs.
The governor noted that any individual claiming representation of the company must provide proper legal authorization, such as a power of attorney or formal appointment, raising questions about Kioko’s legal standing in the dispute.
The county acknowledged that Movata Designs did deliver supplies, but only partially, and toward the close of the 2023/2024 financial year.
As a result, inspection and formal acceptance of the goods could not be completed within the required timelines. This led to the payment being classified as a pending bill in line with public finance regulations.
KSh 3.8 Billion Pending Bills Audit Breakdown
Governor Ndeti revealed that her administration undertook a comprehensive audit of inherited pending bills totaling KSh 3.81 billion.
The verification process established that KSh 2.12 billion was legitimate and payable, while KSh 1.68 billion was deemed ineligible.
The ineligible claims included KSh 927.5 million in unverified legal fees and KSh 757.8 million tied to incomplete documentation.
Call for Patience Amid Funding Delays
Governor Ndeti also pointed to delays in disbursements from the National Exchequer as a key factor slowing payments, noting that this challenge affects counties across Kenya.
She urged suppliers to remain patient and follow official channels, warning that protests and public pressure cannot override legal and financial procedures.
The statement marks the county’s most comprehensive response yet to the growing controversy involving Sammy Kioko, whose protest had drawn public attention to the broader issue of pending bills.
While the governor reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to paying all legitimate claims, the clarification introduces new legal and procedural dimensions to the dispute, potentially reshaping the narrative around Kioko’s demands.
The focus now shifts to whether due process will resolve the standoff among suppliers doing business with Machakos County.
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