MACHAKOS, Kenya — A dispute over a Sh19 million payment claim involving comedian Sammy Kioko and the Machakos County Government appears to be easing after his sister, Maureen Mwende Mutua, held talks with Governor Wavinya Ndeti and issued an apology over how the matter was handled.
Ms Mwende, who is the director of Movata Designs, met the governor at her residence alongside family members, where both sides agreed to pursue a structured and lawful resolution process.
“My name is Maureen Mwende Mutua, the director of Movata Designs… today we are privileged to have visited the governor of Machakos. I came with my parents, and we had a deep discussion of the issue,” she said.
Ms Mwende acknowledged that the family’s earlier approach, characterised by public protests and online claims, may have fallen short of established procedures.
“We want to say… maybe we expressed ourselves that you don’t know the protocol. We just want to say we are sorry. Maybe that was the only way we knew to express our frustrations. By now we know better,” Maureen said.
She emphasised that the dispute was purely financial and not politically motivated, despite the attention it attracted.
“Ours was just following for the payment. Let’s not ride on something that is not there… we just want our payments, which mama has committed to ensure through the right channel,” she added.
In a statement following the meeting, Governor Wavinya confirmed that the matter would be addressed in accordance with public finance regulations.
“The director of Movata Designs, Maureen Mwende Mutua, visited my residence today, accompanied by her parents, to discuss her payments. We had an open and productive conversation,” Ndeti said.
“I want to assure the public that Movata Designs will be paid as per the procedures… This ensures that all payments are handled transparently, fairly, and in line with the law,” she added.
The governor welcomed the move towards dialogue, describing it as a step towards an amicable resolution.
“Maureen, my dear, all will be well. Mama is proud of your courage and maturity to resolve this matter amicably,” she said.
She also noted that the dispute had become politicised, expressing satisfaction that both parties had now reached common ground.
“The matter was politicised, and I am pleased that the issue has now been amicably resolved and the payment will be made in accordance with the established procedures,” she said.
The meeting marks a turning point in a standoff that escalated earlier this week after Sammy Kioko publicly demanded payment from the county government, claiming he was owed Sh19 million for supplying inspectorate uniforms.
The entertainer staged a protest outside Machakos County offices on March 31, joined by other contractors and supporters.
However, the demonstration turned chaotic after enforcement officers dispersed the crowd, with reports indicating that Kioko was manhandled during the incident and later hospitalised.
Also Read: Comedian Sammy Kioko hospitalised after alleged assault over Sh20m payment dispute
Following the unrest, Governor Ndeti condemned the violence and called for restraint.
“As a county government, we do not condone violence in any form, and we urge all parties to exercise restraint and allow lawful and orderly processes to prevail,” she said.
County officials have maintained that the contract in question was awarded to Movata Designs, not directly to Kioko, and that payment delays arose from procedural issues.
According to the county, deliveries were only partially completed towards the end of the 2023/2024 financial year, meaning verification and approval could not be finalised in time, leading to the classification of the claim as a pending bill.
The administration has also reiterated that only verified suppliers captured in official records are eligible for payment processing under public finance regulations.
