Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has pledged to intervene in helping comedian and fashion designer Sammy Kioko recover KSh 19 million allegedly owed to him by the Machakos County Government.
Speaking during a phone interview on The Obinna Show Live, Sonko expressed his willingness to assist Kioko in resolving the payment dispute.
“How much is the county owing him? Does he have proof of delivery? Send him to me because the governor and I respect each other,” Sonko said.
“Let him come so that we can look for the governor and see how he can be helped. Maybe the county is broke, you never know, but even if it means paying him in instalments, I can help him,” he added.
Kioko, broke down in tears during the same show as he shared the toll the issue has taken on him and his team.
“Why would we bother people with contributions for my sister’s treatment while others are sitting on our money? Even if the county has no funds, they should call and say, ‘We’ll pay you this amount and deduct the rest.’ But instead, they’re accusing me of playing politics and being sponsored.
Hii national government ingekuwa imenifund, huyo msichana angekuwa mgonjwa? hii national government ingekuwa imenifund, ningekuwa nimeuza gari yangu?. Do they want a sick person to come in a wheelchair to ask for her money?” Kioko said emotionally.
He added that it was “boring receiving encouraging messages every day” without real action, urging the county to stop “playing ego games.”
Sonko’s remarks come after Sammy Kioko went public with claims that the Machakos County Government had failed to pay him for an embroidery tender completed nearly two years ago.
Kioko said the delayed payment had crippled his tailoring business, forcing him to close shop, lay off staff, and struggle to pay rent and medical bills for his ailing sister.
The issue gained traction online after Kioko staged a peaceful protest outside Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s office in Machakos, seeking an audience and accountability.
However, Wavinya later dismissed his claims, alleging that he delivered nothing worth payment and was merely seeking attention.
“The county government has taken note of allegations that we are indebted to him for goods allegedly supplied to the county.
These assertions are unfounded and also appear to be part of a calculated and politically motivated scheme aimed at discrediting the governor and undermining the integrity of the county’s leadership. ” the county government responded.
In response, Kioko shared screenshots of conversations with county officials, insisting he had receipts and evidence of delivery.
“I went to the procurement office in Machakos, and they accused me of tarnishing the governor’s name. I have facts and receipts,” he stated.
A tailor named Maureen, who worked with Kioko on the project, also confirmed the delivery of uniforms to the county.
She revealed she is currently unwell and unable to afford surgery for fibroids due to the delayed payment.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate online, with celebrities and TikTokers rallying behind Kioko while calling out the county government for allegedly mistreating young entrepreneurs.
In a statement, the Machakos County Government dismissed the allegations as “unfounded” and part of a “politically motivated scheme to discredit the governor.”
By Elizabeth Simiyu
