The alleged assault on popular comedian and YouTuber Sammy Kioko while protesting a Sh19 million deal, delayed payments from the Machakos County government, has sparked nationwide outrage, drawing condemnation from political leaders, lawmakers, and youth groups.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka visited Mr Kioko at the hospital on Thursday, and expressing deep concern for his well-being.
“This evening, I visited Sammy Kioko to stand with him and his family during this difficult time,” Mr Musyoka said.
“I continue to pray for his quick and full recovery. I hope that this issue will now proceed with calm, sobriety, and a clear focus on the facts so that Sammy can heal in peace and the truth can emerge without unnecessary distraction.”
Mr Musyoka confirmed that he had spoken with Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who he said was “deeply concerned by this unfortunate incident and is keen to ensure that the matter is handled fairly and transparently.”
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Photo credit: File | Nation
He called for a resolution that protects the dignity of Mr Kioko, his family, and other young entrepreneurs engaged in legitimate business.
'Assaulted by county security askaris'
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has reignited debates over pending county bills and the treatment of contractors and young entrepreneurs in Kenya.
Mr Kioko was admitted to Nairobi West Hospital following an alleged attack by Machakos County security officers and a group of goons while attempting to present a petition to the Governor’s office demanding payment for services rendered.
The entertainer, who has built a reputation for engaging young audiences on social media, has become the face of growing frustration among youth contractors who claim they are being sidelined and intimidated when seeking legitimate payments.
Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu and Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda also visited Kioko at Nairobi West Hospital.
Ms Mutinda condemned the attack as “unwarranted and inhumane” and accused authorities of attempting to silence hardworking youth.
“It is sad to see young Kenyans sink into depression and mental distress after taking loans and fulfilling contracts, only to remain unpaid,” Ms Mutinda said. “As a legislator, I strongly condemn acts that are meant to intimidate and silence young hardworking Kenyans who are doing legitimate business to earn a living.”
Senator Kavindu stressed that no supplier or contractor should be assaulted for demanding what is rightfully theirs. “You are discouraging young people from engaging in legitimate business,” she said. “This must stop, and all pending bills must be cleared without fear or intimidation.”
The incident sparked protests in Machakos Town on Wednesday, with dozens of youth taking to the streets under the banner “Justice for Kioko.”
Businesses came to a standstill as protesters waved placards and demanded that the county government honour payments owed to contractors and suppliers.
Among those directly affected is Mr Kioko’s sister and business partner, Moureen Mwende, whose company, Movata Fashion and Design Limited, supplied uniforms to Machakos County government security officers. The contract, worth Sh19 million, remains unpaid three years after delivery. Mwende was reportedly assaulted alongside Kioko during the protest, leaving her shaken.
“The most troubling bit is that the people who assaulted us wore our uniform,” she said. “I am depressed. We supplied these uniforms in good faith, and to be met with violence is deeply upsetting.”
Police in Machakos County have launched investigations into the attack, which has drawn widespread condemnation from local and national leaders.
Machakos County Assembly Minority Leader Francis Kavyu condemned the assault, calling it “not just an attack on an individual but an attack on justice, the rule of law, and the dignity of every Kenyan engaged in honest business.” Kavyu warned that residents could take further action to ensure accountability.
Documents indicate that Tender number Gmc/ot/dev/in/002/23-24 was awarded to Movata Fashions to supply inspectorate staff uniforms, with deliveries scheduled for April 15, 2024. In October 2023, Governor Ndeti unveiled a new blue uniform for the County Inspectorate Officers, replacing the brown uniforms previously in use. The governor said the change was aimed at safeguarding the identity of officers and curbing misuse by discharged personnel.
“The new uniform is crucial in safeguarding the identity and integrity of our officers because some criminals have been misusing the old uniform to extort money from the public,” Governor Ndeti said. She emphasized that officers must always identify themselves to the public while on duty and wear name tags and staff cards for transparency.
The governor also highlighted the importance of humane enforcement of law and order, particularly when dealing with vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities or women in markets.
Governor Ndeti runs an ambitious youth empowerment initiative that targets 4,500 young people across Machakos County through skills development and practical training. The first cohort was admitted in 2025.
The youths are uniformed through out the 3 month in house training on training in key technical fields, including plumbing, electrical engineering, welding, beauty therapy, and other vital vocational skills.
An additional 3,000 youth will take part in diverse empowerment programs, ranging from digital skills training to driving courses for both motor vehicle and bodaboda riders. These programs are designed to build a skilled, responsible, and economically empowered generation.
Kioko claims that his company supplied uniforms to Machakos County during the 2023/2024 financial year under a Ksh20 million contract but only received Shh20,000, a claim he said is backed by Mpesa transaction records.
Governor Ndeti responded by stating that Mr Kioko is not a registered supplier of the county and that any representative of Movata Designs must present proper legal authorization. She cited inherited pending bills from her predecessor, Dr Alfred Mutua, totaling Sh2.12 billion, and said her administration has so far settled Sh642 million of historical bills and Sh249 million of current claims.
In a statement, Ms Ndeti assured suppliers and contractors that verified claims would be honoured, but payments must follow strict audit, financial, and legal frameworks to ensure fairness, including the first-in, first-out principle.
Machakos County Secretary Muya Ndambuki criticized the protests, claiming some demonstrators were spreading misinformation and insisting that delayed payments are a nationwide challenge, not unique to Machakos.
