Ken wa Maria presses Wavinya Ndeti over Sammy Kioko's Sh19m tender dispute

Benga musician Ken wa Maria publicly raised comedian Sammy Kioko’s long-running Sh19 million tender dispute with the Machakos County Government during a recent event, urging Governor Wavinya Ndeti to help resolve the matter.

Kioko has, multiple times before, claimed the county owes him Sh19 million for a tender to supply staff uniforms, a dispute that has repeatedly drawn public attention.

Addressing the governor before an audience, Ken wa Maria said he was relaying the frustrations of many young people who feel the issue has dragged on for too long.

“There is a message I have been sent by 200 people. It is a very thorny issue; it may hurt you, it may hurt your government, but I’ve just been sent. This issue of Sammy Kioko and his tender, solve it through any means. It is bringing confusion amongst youth,” the singer stated.

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However, Governor Wavinya quickly distanced herself from the matter, saying procurement processes are handled through formal government systems and not the governor’s office.

“Ken, I have heard, but I don’t deal with procurement. I don’t give tenders, nor do I pay. There are government procedures. I am sorry to say this, but I cannot get involved in that. Mine is policy,” she responded.

Kioko later shared a clip of the exchange on social media, thanking the musician for speaking out on his behalf.

“Thank you Ken wa Maria with a lot of courage for speaking on our issue in front of the Governor. This gives us hope again. Ipo siku,” the comedian wrote.

The dispute between Kioko and the county government dates back several years and has previously attracted public attention. At one point, the comedian staged a dramatic overnight protest outside the governor’s office demanding payment.

According to Kioko, the dispute stems from a contract to supply uniforms to Machakos County staff. He claims the county owes him Sh19 million for the supplies, a delay he says has crippled his fashion business and pushed him into personal financial distress.

The issue has increasingly become a talking point among creatives and youth in the county, with many urging authorities to address the dispute and bring closure to the matter.