Inside the KSh 19M Dispute: Wavinya Moves to Restore Order After Kioko Saga Spirals

Wavinya Ndeti has taken a more diplomatic approach in resolving the heated payment dispute involving comedian Sammy Kioko by holding a private meeting with his sister, Maureen Mwende. The meeting signals a shift from public confrontation to structured dialogue after the issue escalated into protests and national attention.

The dispute revolves around an alleged KSh 19 million owed for the supply of county uniforms. Kioko had publicly accused the Machakos County government of delaying payment for over a year. His frustration led to demonstrations outside county offices, which turned chaotic and ended with him being injured and hospitalised. The incident intensified public scrutiny on how county governments handle supplier payments.

In response, Governor Ndeti clarified that the contract in question is officially linked to Movata Designs, not Kioko directly. She stressed the importance of following legal procedures when claiming payments. According to her, all pending bills must undergo verification before any funds are released. This process, she explained, is necessary to ensure accountability and prevent irregular payments.

The county also revealed that the claim falls under pending bills due to delays in inspection and approval timelines. A special committee has been reviewing such debts, with billions already assessed. Ndeti noted that while many claims have been cleared, only those that meet all legal requirements will be paid. She maintained that her administration is focused on restoring financial discipline.

Following the meeting, tensions appeared to ease. Maureen admitted that taking the issue public was driven by pressure and frustration. “We are sorry… we didn’t follow the right process,” she said, expressing relief after engaging the governor directly. Her remarks suggest a willingness to resolve the matter through official channels.

Ndeti assured that valid claims will be settled through a supplementary budget. She emphasized that “no legitimate claim will go unpaid,” urging patience as the process continues.

While the situation has cooled, attention now turns to whether the payment will be finalized as promised.