What You Need to Know
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has refuted claims by comedian Sammy Kioko regarding unpaid supplier status, stating that he is not recognized as a supplier by the county. Ndeti clarified that Movata Designs was the contracted supplier for uniforms and emphasized the need for legal authorization for representation. She also addressed ongoing efforts to manage pending bills and urged restraint in a
Africa-Press – Kenya. Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has dismissed claims by comedian and businessman Sammy Kioko that the county owes him money for supplied goods, 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 statements and events” involving Kioko, including concerns over alleged non-payment.
She said, “Our records indicate that Mr Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier of the County Government of Machakos.”
The governor clarified that the entity contracted to supply Inspectorate uniforms was Movata Designs. She added that any individual acting on behalf of the company must present proper legal authorisation.
“For any individual to lawfully act on behalf of the company, proper legal authorization must be presented, including a valid Power of Attorney, formal appointment by the company, or representation through a qualified advocate,” she said.
Her statement followed an incident on March 31, 2026, in Machakos Town, where Kioko was allegedly assaulted by county askaris during a protest over the disputed 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.
While addressing the incident, the governor expressed concern, stating, “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.”
On the specific supply in question, the governor acknowledged that deliveries were made by Movata Designs but said they were incomplete and could not be verified within the 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 said.
As a result, she explained, the payment was classified as a pending bill in line with Public Finance Management procedures.
The governor used the statement to outline broader efforts by her administration to address pending bills.
She said a verification process established that out of Sh3,812,256,795 in inherited claims, Sh2,126,781,000 were eligible, while Sh1,685,475,795 were ineligible due to issues such as unverified legal fees and incomplete documentation.
She noted that the county has already paid Sh642,345,765 from the eligible amount, leaving a balance of Sh1,484,435,235.
“This outstanding 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,” she said.
The governor added that in the current financial year alone, the administration has settled Sh1,395,643,990 in pending bills, describing it as “a clear demonstration of our commitment to restoring fiscal discipline and honouring obligations.”
She assured suppliers that all verified claims will be paid, but emphasised adherence to legal and financial frameworks.
“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.
At the same time, she cautioned against protests as a means of seeking payment.
“Public demonstrations and media campaigns, while understandable, cannot override lawful procedures nor accelerate payments beyond what is provided for within the law,” she said.
The governor also cited delays in disbursements from the National Exchequer as a factor affecting payments, noting that the challenge is not unique to Machakos County.
Machakos County has faced challenges with pending bills and supplier claims, particularly as it navigates financial management and accountability. The county government has been working to address inherited claims while ensuring compliance with Public Finance Management procedures. This situation reflects broader issues within local governance in Kenya, where financial disputes often arise due to incomplete documentation and delays in national funding disbursements.
The governor’s commitment to fiscal discipline is crucial as Machakos seeks to restore trust among suppliers and the public. By outlining the verification process for claims, the administration aims to enhance transparency and,
