“Sammy Kioko Is Not a Registered Supplier” – Wavinya Dismisses Payment Claims

A photo collage of Comedian Sammy Kioko and Machakos Governor Wavinya ndeti

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has dismissed claims by comedian and businessman Sammy Kioko that the county owes him money, stating that official records do not recognise him as a supplier.

In a statement issued on April 1, 2026, the governor addressed what she described as recent developments surrounding Kioko’s claims of non-payment for supplied goods.

“Our records indicate that Mr Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier of the County Government of Machakos,” Wavinya said.

She clarified that the contract to supply Inspectorate uniforms was awarded to Movata Designs, noting that any individual purporting to act on behalf of the company must provide proper legal authorisation.

“For any individual to lawfully act on behalf of the company, proper legal authorisation must be presented, including a valid Power of Attorney, formal appointment by the company, or representation through a qualified advocate,” she stated.

The clarification follows an incident on March 31, 2026, in Machakos Town, where Kioko was allegedly assaulted by county askaris during a protest over the disputed payment claim.

He was later admitted to Nairobi West Hospital after receiving initial treatment at Athi River Level 4 Hospital and Kang’undo Level 4 Hospital.

Addressing the incident, the governor condemned violence, urging restraint among all parties.

“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,” she said.

On the disputed supply, Wavinya acknowledged that deliveries were made by Movata Designs but noted they were incomplete and could not be verified within the 2023/2024 financial year.

“Partial delivery occurred towards the close of the financial year 2023/2024 and therefore inspection and acceptance of the partial delivery could not be conducted,” she explained.

As a result, the payment was classified as a pending bill in accordance with Public Finance Management procedures.

The governor further outlined her administration’s efforts to address pending bills, revealing that out of Sh3.81 billion in inherited claims, Sh2.12 billion were deemed eligible while Sh1.68 billion were found ineligible due to issues such as incomplete documentation and unverified legal fees.

She noted that the county has already paid Sh642.3 million from the verified claims, leaving a balance of Sh1.48 billion.

“This outstanding balance will be systematically addressed through the First Supplementary Budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026 and subsequent financial years, in line with available resources,” she said.

Wavinya added that in the current financial year alone, the administration has settled Sh1.39 billion in pending bills, terming it a demonstration of commitment to fiscal discipline and accountability.

“I wish to assure all suppliers and the public that the County Government remains fully committed to settling all verified and legitimate claims,” she said.

However, she cautioned against the use of protests and media pressure to demand payments, emphasising adherence to legal procedures.

“Public demonstrations and media campaigns, while understandable, cannot override lawful procedures nor accelerate payments beyond what is provided for within the law,” she stated.

The governor also cited delays in disbursements from the National Exchequer as a

contributing factor to payment delays, noting that the challenge affects multiple counties across the country.