Machakos County Secretary, Muya Ndambuki, has officially dismissed comedian Sammy Kioko’s claim for KSh 19 million, stating that the entertainer is neither a registered contractor nor a recognized supplier for the county government.
Speaking on the matter, Ndambuki emphasized that pending payments are a common challenge across many government institutions, including the national government. However, he insisted that Kioko’s claim does not appear in any official county records and therefore cannot be honored.
“The county has a structured system for engaging contractors and suppliers. Any claims made outside this framework cannot be processed,” Ndambuki explained. He added that while the county acknowledges outstanding bills in general, all claims must be verified and aligned with official documentation before payments are made.
The controversy began when Kioko publicly demanded the payment, claiming he had rendered services for the county. However, officials say there is no record of any contracts or agreements involving the comedian, raising questions about the legitimacy of the claim.
Ndambuki further noted that the issue of unpaid bills is not unique to Machakos. Many government departments and counties struggle with pending payments due to bureaucratic processes and verification requirements. “It’s a systemic issue affecting multiple government bodies, and we are actively working to streamline payments,” he added.
As of now, Kioko has not responded to the county secretary’s dismissal, but the statement has sparked debates online about accountability and transparency in government dealings. Legal experts note that individuals seeking payments from government entities must ensure they are formally registered and documented to avoid such disputes.
Machakos County has urged all contractors and service providers to follow official procedures when submitting claims, warning that any attempt to bypass formal channels may not be entertained.