Comedian and content creator Sammy Kioko, alongside his sister and business partner Maureen Mwende. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Comedian and content creator Sammy Kioko, alongside his sister and business partner Maureen Mwende, has made an emotional public appeal to President William Ruto to intervene in what they describe as a prolonged and financially crippling delay in payment for supplies delivered to the Machakos County Government.
The duo claims that their business successfully secured and executed a tender during the 2023–2024 financial year to supply uniforms and apparel to county enforcement officers, commonly known as Kanjo. According to Mwende, the company fulfilled all contractual obligations, delivered the goods, and followed the required invoicing procedures, but has since struggled to receive payment.
Speaking in a heartfelt plea, Mwende detailed the toll the delayed payment has taken on her personal and professional life, saying repeated follow-ups through official channels have yielded no results despite several meetings and consultations with relevant county offices.
“We supplied everything as required, and all documentation was completed according to procurement protocols. Since then, we have been moving from one office to another seeking payment, but our efforts have not been fruitful,” she said.
Mwende revealed that the financial strain has forced her into mounting debts, leaving her unable to sustain her business operations or support her family and employees who depend on her enterprise for livelihood. She further disclosed that the stress linked to the situation affected her health, resulting in hospitalization in November last year, during which she received support from well-wishers.
“I am a mother, a businesswoman, and many families depend on this business. I am overwhelmed by debts and exhausted by the struggle. We are now at a point where we do not know what else to do,” she added.
Kioko, visibly frustrated, accused a county official identified as Mr. Munyambu of subjecting them to humiliating treatment during attempts to follow up on the payment. He alleged that they were chased away from county offices, verbally abused, and threatened with arrest despite previously verifying and approving the uniform supplies.
“What happened to us at the gate was inhuman. This is the same office that confirmed and verified the uniforms when they were delivered, but now we are being treated like criminals,” Kioko stated.
Addressing President Ruto directly, Kioko described himself as a young creative and entrepreneur who feels “discouraged, suffocated and ignored,” urging the Head of State or any relevant public office to facilitate a hearing of their grievances.
“Our businesses and families depend on this payment. We humbly ask the President or any government authority to help us be heard and resolve this matter,” he said.
The comedian also appealed to Kenyans, particularly members of the creative industry, to amplify their plea by sharing their story in hopes of attracting government intervention.
The Machakos County Government had not issued an official response to the allegations by the time of publication.
The case highlights growing concerns among small and medium enterprises over delayed payments by government institutions, a challenge stakeholders say continues to threaten business sustainability and economic growth.
