The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Comedian Sammy Kioko was admitted to hospital on March 31 after being referred from Kang’undo Level 4 Hospital, following initial treatment at Athi River Level 4 Hospital.
The hospitalisation came after an incident reportedly outside the Machakos County Government offices, where Kioko joined other contractors protesting over unpaid bills.
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Kioko, who also owns Movata Fashion, claims his company supplied uniforms to the Machakos County Government during the 2023/2024 financial year under a Sh20 million contract. However, he alleges he was paid only Sh20,000, providing Mpesa transaction records to support his claim.
The protest had been planned a day earlier, with Kioko inviting fellow suppliers and contractors to gather peacefully at the county headquarters. In a March 30 video, he said:
“Nothing will stop us from coming tomorrow. We will accompany those suppliers, those contractors, together with their families, and at exactly 10 am, peacefully, we will be seated within the county government of Machakos offices.”
READ ALSO: Drama in Machakos as Sammy Kioko and Tom Daktari Arrested
He emphasised that the demonstration aimed to open dialogue with county officials:
“We deserve to be listened to; let us have this conversation. Let us see justice served, and everyone will be happy.”
However, when the group assembled outside the county offices, enforcement officers reportedly dispersed the protesters, leading to the alleged assault that left Kioko injured and in need of medical care.
Machakos County has denied having any contractual agreements with Kioko or some individuals claiming payment. County Secretary Muya Ndambuki told the media that only verified contractors recorded in official county records are being engaged.
“We have settled Sh642,345,765 out of the eligible historical pending amount of Sh2.12 billion. Some claims remain unverified or ineligible, including legal fees and individuals not linked to formal contracts,” Ndambuki explained.
He added:
“A person who is not privy to the contract becomes a stranger to it. Such individuals cannot participate in settlement discussions.”
Despite the county’s stance, Kioko and other contractors insist they are legitimate suppliers unfairly excluded from payment processes.
Kioko’s hospitalisation has brought renewed attention to the dispute, sparking public debate on the handling of protests and the broader issue of pending bills owed by county governments.
