Comedians stand with Sammie Kioko in Sh19 million row with Machakos County

Comedian Sammie Kioko has found himself in the middle of a financial storm after revealing that the Machakos County government owes him over Sh19 million for supplies he delivered nearly two years ago; a debt that remains unpaid to date.

The celebrated comic, known for his clean humor and role in nurturing young talent, disclosed that he had supplied sewing machines to the county under a youth empowerment initiative, but his attempts to get paid have been met with endless delays and bureaucratic hurdles.

On Friday, a visibly frustrated Kioko took to social media, sharing a video of himself parked outside the county offices; which he referred to as “the White House” saying he had been camping there all day hoping to see Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

“I have been outside the governor’s office since morning,” he said. “There are people who have ensured that I have not seen the governor. Things are not okay. I did work and supplied items for the county. How long does it take to pay?”

The comedian revealed that despite submitting all required documentation, unnamed individuals within the county have continuously blocked his access to the governor and delayed his payment.

“Some friends are liars. They say they have connections when you don’t need them. They told me I could see the governor if I wanted, and they could link me up,” he lamented.

Kioko, who has been battling to stay afloat amid the stalemate, described his situation as “dark days and nights,” appealing for urgent intervention.

“My only hope is to talk to the governor. Any help would be appreciated. Things are bad. There is a need to be paid. Anyone from Machakos County, kindly help. I have suffered enough,” he pleaded.

His emotional appeal has since drawn overwhelming support from fellow comedians and fans alike. Among those who visited him at the Machakos County offices were Nasra the Comedian and Nicki Bigfish, who expressed solidarity with their colleague and called for justice.

“I hate to see my brother go down! @nicki_bigfish and I had to go visit @sammie_kioko and weuh! The county led by @hon_wavinya_ndeti should pay bana alaar!” wrote **Nasra** on Instagram. “Bro itakuwa sawa, ukitaka support ya team Nasra just say it bro!”

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The standoff has sparked debate on social media, with many questioning why creatives and small suppliers continue to face delayed payments despite counties routinely allocating funds for youth and entrepreneurship projects.

Several artists have also come forward to share similar frustrations with county governments, citing unpaid dues and a lack of accountability in procurement processes.

“I just want to be heard,” he said. “It’s been too long.”