Heartbreaking pictures spread across social media yesterday showing comedian Sammy Kioko and his sister Maureen camped out overnight in front of the county offices, pushing hard for payment of KSh 19 million they say the government owes them.
The pair spent a cold night outside the White House – that’s what locals call Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s office building. Maureen sat there with her young baby bundled up, waiting for someone to listen.
Sammy joined later, sharing videos and messages that pulled at people’s heartstrings. “We’ve been patient for too long,” he posted. The money, they claim, comes from a tender they won together to supply uniforms and embroidery work for county staff nearly two years back.
This isn’t the first time Sammy raised the issue. Back in October last year, he camped alone at the same spot, going viral with pleas for help. Things got emotional then too – he broke down in interviews, explaining how the delay wrecked his clothing business.
He shut down operations, couldn’t pay rent or workers, and even sold his car to stay afloat. His sister’s health added more pressure; she needed surgery, and without the funds, options ran thin.
Now, with Maureen taking the protest further – baby in tow under the night sky – it hits different. Leaked WhatsApp chats show concerned staff noticing her outside, reaching out to Sammy.
One message expressed worry as a parent, offering small help if possible. But no meeting with the governor happened. The family says deliveries were made and documents signed, yet payments stalled.
Machakos County pushed back before, saying checks found no official contract in Sammy’s name or proper registration. They accused him of trying to damage the governor’s reputation. No fresh statement came out yesterday, but the denial from months ago still stands.
Out on the streets and online, Kenyans showed mixed feelings. Many sent support, sharing stories of similar tender delays that crush small businesses.
Fellow comedians like Nasra and others visited Sammy during earlier protests, standing solid. “No one should go through this,” one said. Critics wondered about proof, pointing to the county’s side.This story keeps going, showing how hard it is for suppliers to work with counties.
People are stuck in limbo because bills are piling up all around the country. For the Kiokos, it’s personal: their business is gone, they’re worried about their health, and they have to sleep on concrete to be heard.
Sammy made a reputation for himself on the Churchill Show by turning chuckles into a brand. He got into fashion and worked hard. The unpaid bills changed everything. His sister’s trip abroad for treatment subsequently gave some alleviation, due to donations from the public, but the main problem is still there.
As the sun rose this morning, the siblings packed things without making a decision. Sammy said he would keep battling. The wait goes on in Machakos, where the sky are clear.
Many people believe that voices like theirs will finally bring about change, like fair pay and no more long delays. The gates are quiet for now, and the family goes home empty-handed once more.
Everyone has to deal with hard times. Sammy Kioko’s story shows us how one late bill can ruin lives. People are still watching Machakos to see what happens next.
