Kenyan comedian Sammy Kioko has cautioned the public against a fake TikTok account using his name to solicit money from unsuspecting followers.
Through his Instagram stories, Kioko shared a screenshot of the impersonating account and urged fans to be vigilant.
“This TikTok account is conning Kenyans and people from the diaspora by asking for contributions. I have not asked for any. Be cautious,” he wrote.
He further clarified that he has not initiated any online fundraising campaign and that all communications should only be trusted if they come from his verified pages.
Fake Account Soliciting Money
The impersonating TikTok account has been using Kioko’s identity, photos, and videos to request financial contributions from fans.
The comedian stated that he does not run such appeals and called on the public to report the account to prevent further fraud.
Cases of impersonation involving public figures have been on the rise in Kenya, with scammers taking advantage of celebrities’ popularity to deceive fans and collect money under false pretenses.
Financial Challenges and Business Closure
The warning comes shortly after Kioko announced the closure of his shops and production areas, citing severe financial challenges that have affected his business operations.
In a statement shared through his Instagram stories, the entertainer said that despite efforts to sustain his ventures, the financial strain had become too heavy.
“The worst that I was fearing is happening..!! It's with a heavy heart that we’re announcing the closure of our shops and production areas. Despite our best efforts, we've faced significant challenges that have made it impossible for us to continue operating,” he wrote.
Kioko expressed appreciation to his supporters and team members for their loyalty and encouragement, adding that the decision was temporary as he continues to seek resolution to the financial difficulties he faces.
“Not a goodbye, but a see you later. We won’t get tired of knocking the county offices. God above everything,” he added.
Dispute with Machakos County Government
The comedian’s statement followed his public appeal to the Machakos County Government for payment of a project he said was completed months ago but remains unpaid.
In earlier social media posts, Kioko shared his frustration over the delayed payment, which he said had left him financially strained.
“There’s need to be paid. Anyone from Machakos County kindly help. Things are not okay. I have suffered enough,” he wrote.
Sources close to the entertainer indicated that he had supplied services under a county contract but had not received payment. His plea attracted attention from fellow entertainers, who called on county officials to address the issue.
Amid these ongoing challenges, Kioko has urged his fans to remain alert and avoid engaging with any account claiming to represent him financially.
He emphasized that he has not sought public contributions and that the impersonating TikTok account’s actions are fraudulent.
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