Business came to a standstill in Machakos Town for hours Wednesday after dozens of youth poured onto the streets. They were protesting recent goon assaults on youth who were protesting delayed payments to contractors and suppliers by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration.
They waved placards written “Justice for Kioko”, a reference to comedian and YouTuber Sammy Kioko, who was injured Tuesday when goons and county askaris assaulted him during the protest. He was still admitted to Nairobi Hospital on Wednesday.
Ms Ndeti was compelled to comment on the matter Wednesday, releasing a statement on her social media pages. She revealed that Mr Kioko was not a registered supplier to the Machakos County Government.
"Our records indicate that Mr Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier of the County Government of Machakos. The entity that supplied Inspectorate uniforms is Movata Designs. For any individual to lawfully act on behalf of the company, proper legal authorisation must be presented, including a valid Power of Attorney, formal appointment by the company, or representation through a qualified advocate," she said.
"We acknowledge that supplies were made by Movata Designs, however, partial delivery occurred towards the close of the financial year 2023/2024 and therefore inspection and acceptance of the partial delivery could not be conducted. Movata Designs’ payment was therefore classified as a pending bill, in line with Public Finance Management procedures."
On Tuesday, trouble started the day before after Machakos County officers and a team of unknown people rained kicks and blows on a group of youth protesting delays in paying suppliers. They intended to present a petition to senior Machakos County Government officials.
The injured protesters included Moureen Mwende, sister and business partner of Mr Kioko, who says he won a tender to supply the county's askaris with uniforms. The contract would have left her Sh19 million richer. However, she says, three years after Movata Fashion and Design Limited supplied the uniforms, Ms Mwende alleges she is yet to receive the money.
“The most troubling bit is that the people who have assaulted us wore our uniform. I am depressed,” Ms Mwende told reporters following the assault which left her wounded.
Mike Ndunda, a TV journalist, sustained injuries when he was caught up in a confrontation between youths and Machakos County government askaris and goons at the Kangundo Sub-county Referral hospital where Machakos County government officials took Mr Kioko for medical attention. Police in Machakos County have launched an investigation into the attack on the protestors and the journalist which has sparked widespread condemnation.
Machakos County Assembly Minority Leader and Kinanie/Mathatani Ward Representative, Mr Francis Kavyu, called on the police to arrest those who assaulted Mr Kioko.
“Mr Musyoka should demonstrate that he has the Kenyan youth at heart by intervening on Mr Kioko’s matter,” he said.
Ms Ndeti blames her predecessor Alfred Mutua for delays in disbursement of funds to counties from the National Treasury. A committee she set up to verify the pending bills has revealed that the county government inherited Sh2.12 billion valid pending bills from Dr Mutua’s administration.
“We have so far settled Sh642 million. We have also paid Sh249 million out of the current pending bills,” the governor said.
While acknowledging that Movata Fashion and Design Limited had supplied her administration, Ms Ndeti urged Ms Mwende to wait in line.
“I wish to assure all suppliers and the public that the county government remains fully committed to settling all verified and legitimate claims. However, this process must adhere to strict legal, audit, and financial frameworks, including first-in, first-out principle, to ensure fairness and equity,” she said in a statement.
