During a recent episode of The Obinna Show, popular comedian Sammy Kioko opened up about personal struggles, including supporting his ailing sister, and his ongoing financial difficulties due to delayed payments from the Machakos County Government.
In a heartwarming gesture, host Oga Obinna set up a donation till number during the show, allowing fans to contribute.
By the end of the broadcast, viewers had helped raise over KSh 221,000 for Kioko’s sister’s medical treatment.
Kioko Opens Up About His Struggles
The comedian broke down on live TV as he recounted the challenges he has faced, particularly a KSh 19 million payment owed to him by the Machakos County Government for a project he had undertaken months earlier.
The delayed funds, he explained, have left him unable to fund his projects or support his sick business partner who requires treatment in India.
''Hii national goverment ingekua inanefund , huyo msichana hangekua mgonjwa ? angekua amepelekwa hospitali. Ingenifund ningekua nimeuza gari yangu ? hii national government inasema sijui naharibia nani jina ingekua inanifund ningekua hapa napiga kelele ?'' He emotionally explained .
Kioko also explained how he has tried to reach top people in the government like Jalang'o to help them but it was all in vain .He also appreciated his friends like Tom Daktari for being there when he needed them the most .
How It All Started
The situation began when Sammy Kioko camped outside the Machakos Governor’s office, pleading to be paid for a county project he claimed was completed months ago. Frustrated by the delays, Kioko took to Instagram, writing:
“There’s need to be paid. Anyone from Machakos County kindly help. Things are not okay. I have suffered enough.”
Sources indicated that Kioko had provided services under a county contract but had yet to receive payment.
The public plea drew widespread attention online, with fellow entertainers urging authorities to settle their obligations.
Days later, Kioko announced the closure of his shops and production facilities, citing severe financial challenges.
He also revealed that he was putting up his cherished car for sale to raise funds for his sister’s urgent medical treatment, sharing his decision in an emotional post on Instagram stories.
Machakos County Government Responds
In response to the allegations, the Machakos County Government, through Joseph Mathuki, head of procurement, clarified that Kioko’s claims were “misleading.”
Mathuki explained that the tender in question, involving the supply of county uniforms, was awarded to a registered business entity that did not list Kioko as a director.
He further stated that payment delays were due to incomplete delivery during the initial phase of the contract and that the county could not process payments for partially delivered goods.
Mathuki added that the remaining deliveries were completed in the 2023/2024 financial year, and payments had since resumed. He emphasized that Kioko had “no legal authority” to speak on behalf of the company.
Kioko’s Response to the Statement
Following the press briefing, Kioko posted a video and statement on Instagram, clarifying his position:
“As earlier stated, I absolutely have no business tarnishing the governor’s name. The county has now confirmed a tender was awarded and performed fully, contrary to an initial statement that there is no documentation regarding any such tender.”
He expressed gratitude to fans who had reached out during his challenging period and explained that selling his car — a vehicle he had treasured for eight years — was necessary to secure urgent medical care for his sister:
“Sometimes, as a man, you have to do what you have to do even if it hurts… This November, my plan was just to take my sister to travel and go seek medical attention, and time is not on our side.”
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