Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has dismissed comedian Sammy Kioko’s claims over alleged non-payment for supplies, clarifying that he is not a registered supplier of the county and that the contract in question was awarded to Movata Designs.
In a statement on Wednesday, the governor said the county government “does not condone violence in any form” following an incident in Machakos Town on March 31, urging all parties “to exercise restraint and allow lawful and orderly processes to prevail.”
She clarified that “our records indicate that Mr. Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier of the County Government of Machakos,” adding that “the entity that supplied Inspectorate uniforms is Movata Designs.”
Ndeti further explained that although supplies were made, “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,” leading to the payment being classified as a pending bill in line with public finance procedures.
She emphasized that any individual acting on behalf of a company must present “proper legal authorization,” including a power of attorney or formal appointment.
On the broader issue of pending bills, the governor revealed that her administration established a verification committee, following recommendations from oversight bodies, to review inherited obligations amounting to Sh3,812,256,795.
The committee found that Sh2,126,781,000 were eligible for payment, while Sh1,685,475,795 were ineligible due to irregularities, including “unverified legal fees” and claims with “incomplete documentation.”
Since taking office, Ndeti said the county has made progress in settling debts, noting that “out of the eligible historical pending bills… we have already settled Sh642,345,765, leaving a balance of Sh1,484,435,235.”
She assured residents that the remaining balance “will be systematically addressed through the 1st Supplementary Budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026 and subsequent financial years, in line with available resources.”
Comedian Kioko alleged that his company, Movata Fashion, supplied uniforms worth Sh20 million during the 2023/2024 financial year but received only Sh20,000.
On March 31, he joined other contractors in a planned peaceful protest outside county offices in Machakos Town to demand payment and accountability.
The demonstration was disrupted by enforcement officers, leading to an alleged assault that left Kioko injured and hospitalised after referrals from Athi River and Kang’undo Level 4 hospitals, intensifying scrutiny over pending bills and the county’s handling of supplier disputes.