Wavinya Ndeti Meets Sammy Kioko’s Sister Maureen in Bid to Resolve KSh 19m Payment Row

Wavinya Ndeti met Maureen Mwende, Sammy Kioko's sister, to discuss their unpaid dues. Photo: Wavinya Ndeti.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has held direct talks with Maureen Mwende, the sister of comedian Sammy Kioko, in an effort to resolve a long-running dispute over unpaid county contracts.

The meeting, which took place at the governor’s residence, comes after months of public tension in which Kioko and his sister accused the county government of failing to settle a contract for the supply of uniforms.

The duo claim they are owed about KSh 19 million, with payments reportedly delayed for more than a year.

The dispute had escalated publicly, with Kioko repeatedly calling out the county online and later staging demonstrations outside Machakos county offices on March 31.

The protest attracted several public figures but turned chaotic after Kioko was confronted by county askaris and allegedly injured during the incident, later requiring treatment.

In the aftermath, Governor Wavinya maintained that the matter would be handled through official payment procedures, while also suggesting that the dispute was being influenced by political actors seeking to undermine her administration.

She further warned that the public nature of the disagreement could negatively affect Maureen’s business, Movata Designs.

Later, the governor confirmed that she hosted Maureen and her parents for discussions aimed at finding an amicable solution.

She described the engagement as constructive and assured that the pending payment would be processed in line with government regulations.

“Thank you, Maureen, for bringing this matter to light and for your clarity. The matter was politicised, and I am pleased that it has now been amicably resolved. The payment will be made in accordance with the established procedures,” Wavinya said.

Maureen, on her part, said she was relieved after finally meeting the governor and reaching an understanding on how the matter would be handled.

She also expressed regret over how the dispute had been handled publicly, admitting that taking the issue online was driven by frustration.

As of now, Kioko has not publicly commented on the latest developments regarding the resolution process.