Kioko’s sister meets Wavinya over Sh19m payment

Sammy Kioko’s sister, Maureen Mwende and her parents meet Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti at her home in Machakos/ WAVINYA NDETI'S X

Sammy Kioko’s sister, Maureen Mwende, has met Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and apologised over how the family handled a Sh19 million payment dispute involving her company, Movata Designs.

Speaking after the meeting held at the governor’s residence, Maureen said they held a candid discussion and agreed to follow due process in resolving the matter.

“My name is Maureen Mwende Mutua, the director of Movata Designs… today we are privileged to have visited the governor of Machakos. I came with my parents, and we had a deep discussion of the issue,” she said.

She acknowledged that their earlier approach may have been misguided.

“We want to say… maybe we expressed ourselves that you don’t know the protocol. We just want to say we are sorry. Maybe that was the only way we knew to express our frustrations. By now we know better,” Maureen said.

She added that their push for payment had been misinterpreted as political.

“Ours was just following for the payment. Let’s not ride on something that is not there… we just want our payments, which mama has committed to ensure through the right channel,” she said.

In a statement shared after hosting the family, Governor Wavinya Ndeti confirmed that the issue would be resolved in line with established procedures.

“The director of Movata Designs, Maureen Mwende Mutua, visited my residence today, accompanied by her parents, to discuss her payments. We had an open and productive conversation,” Ndeti said.

“I want to assure the public that Movata Designs will be paid as per the procedures… This ensures that all payments are handled transparently, fairly, and in line with the law,” she added.

The governor also welcomed the move to resolve the matter amicably.

“Maureen, my dear, all will be well. Mama is proud of your courage and maturity to resolve this matter amicably,” she said.

Ndeti further noted that the issue had been politicised, expressing satisfaction that both parties had now reached common ground.

“The matter was politicised, and I am pleased that the issue has now been amicably resolved and the payment will be made in accordance with the established procedures,” she said.

The meeting marks a turning point in a dispute that escalated earlier this week after comedian Sammy Kioko publicly demanded payment from the Machakos county government.

Kioko had claimed that the county owed him Sh19 million for supplying inspectorate uniforms.

He staged a protest outside county offices on March 31, accompanied by fellow entertainers and contractors.

The situation turned chaotic when enforcement officers dispersed the demonstrators, with reports indicating that Kioko was manhandled during the incident and later admitted to hospital.

Following the incident, Ndeti condemned the violence and called for restraint.

“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,” she said.

The county government also clarified that Kioko was not a registered supplier, stating that the contract in question was awarded to Movata Designs, a company associated with his sister.

According to the county, while supplies were made, the payment was classified as a pending bill due to partial delivery at the close of the 2023/2024 financial year, which delayed verification and approval processes.

Kioko’s claims had drawn public attention, with the comedian sharing documents and statements online, alleging financial distress linked to the unpaid amount.