How Sonko is Planning to Help Sammy Kioko Resolve KSh 19M Debt Dispute

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged to assist comedian Sammy Kioko in resolving the KSh 19 million unpaid payment owed to him by the Machakos County Government.

The announcement comes after Kioko’s emotional appeal during a recent episode of Oga Obinna’s live show, where he broke down while recounting the financial strain caused by the delayed funds.

Through a phone call made by Obinna during the live Sonko said ''Mtume kwangu because governor tunapeana heshima. Akuje kesho twende kwa governor tukae chini tuone vile anaeza saidika . Maybe county iko broke you never know tuone hata kama watamlipa polepole .''

Kioko Breaks Down on Live TV

During the interview on Oga Obinna’s show, Kioko shared the struggles he has faced due to the unpaid county contract, explaining that the delayed payment has left him unable to sustain his business projects or support his ailing sister, who requires urgent medical treatment. His heartfelt story moved viewers, leading to an outpouring of support.

In a generous gesture, Oga Obinna set up a donation till number during the show, and by the end of the broadcast, fans had helped raise over  KSh 221,000 to assist Kioko’s sister with her medical expenses.

The fundraiser highlighted the solidarity of fans and the entertainment community during a challenging time for the comedian.

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.

Read more: “Pay Me My Money!" Comedian Sammy Kioko’s Plea to Machakos County as He's Forced to Close His Business

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.