Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has addressed the public controversy surrounding comedian Sammy Kioko and the county’s pending supplier payments.
Wavinya’s response comes a day after a dramatic incident in Machakos Town on on Tuesday, March 31, that saw Kioko and fellow comedian Tom Daktari arrested by police officers outside the Machakos County Finance Offices while they were staging a protest over alleged unpaid tenders.
A suspected plain-clothes officer was filmed wrestling Kioko to the ground, with witnesses alleging he sustained bodily injuries during the confrontation.
Taking to her social media platforms, Governor Ndeti said, “As a County Government, we do not condone violence in any form and we urge all parties to exercise restraint and allow lawful and orderly processes to prevail.”
On the substance of Kioko’s claims, the Governor was categorical, saying that Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier of the County Government of Machakos.
“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, adding that for any individual to legally represent the company, proper authorization, including a valid Power of Attorney or representation through a qualified advocate, would be required.
Ndeti acknowledged that supplies were made by Movata Designs but explained that partial delivery occurred towards the close of the 2023/2024 financial year, making it impossible to conduct inspection and acceptance in time.
She added that Movata Designs’ payment was therefore classified as a pending bill, in line with Public Finance Management procedures.
The Governor further revealed that her administration constituted the Machakos County Pending Bills Verification Committee, following recommendations from the Auditor-General and the Controller of Budget, to verify inherited pending bills amounting to KSh3.8 billion.
She said the Committee established that KSh2.1 billion constituted eligible payable pending bills, while KSh1.6 billion were deemed ineligible due to unverified legal fees and incomplete documentation.
On the progress made, Ndeti said, “Since assuming office, my administration has made deliberate and measurable progress,” noting that KSh642.3 million of the eligible bills had already been settled.
She added that the remaining KSh1.4 billion would be systematically addressed through the 1st Supplementary Budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026 and subsequent financial years, in line with available resources.
“I, therefore, appeal to all our valued suppliers to exercise patience and engage the County Government through proper channels. Public demonstrations and media campaigns, while understandable, cannot override lawful procedures nor accelerate payments beyond what is provided for within the law,” Wavinya stated.
The Governor concluded by emphasizing that her administration remains open, transparent, and committed to serving the people of Machakos with dignity, fairness, and integrity.
“My administration remains open, transparent, and committed to serving the people of Machakos with dignity, fairness, and integrity. We value our suppliers as key partners in development, and I wish to assure you that no legitimate claim will go unpaid. Government is a perpetual institution, and all verified obligations will be honored in due course. Let us continue to work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Thank you, and may God bless Machakos County,” Wavinya concluded.
On the other hand, Sammy Kioko is still in hospital receiving treatment after allegations that he was beaten.
