Comedian and entrepreneur Sammy Kioko has sparked fresh debate after sharing an M-Pesa confirmation message showing he received Ksh 20,000, which he claims is the only payment made toward an alleged Ksh 19 million debt owed by the Machakos County Government.
In a post shared on his social media page on March 25, Kioko said the money was sent via M‑Pesa and described it as the latest development in his long‑running dispute with the county over payment for staff uniforms he says his business supplied.
The screenshot shared by Kioko showed a standard Safaricom M-Pesa notification indicating that one Kasanga had sent him KSh 20,000, complete with a transaction reference number.
Kioko claimed the money came from a senior county office and accused the county of manipulation and intimidation.
“Out of the KSh 19 million owed to us, the only money we have received is KSh 20,000 sent via M‑Pesa. This is the highest level of manipulation and intimidation that we have ever experienced from Machakos County,” he wrote.
He further suggested the payment was dismissive in nature, sharing a sarcastic Swahili remark that he said reflected the intent behind the transfer.
The statement implied the money was sent merely to pacify him as authorities deliberated on whether to settle the full amount.
Also Read: Outrage Over Karura Forest Clearance for Alleged Secret Barracks Plan
Sammy Kioko Triggers Public Reaction
The token payment drew mixed reactions, with many Kenyans questioning why such a small amount would be sent to Sammy Kioko for a claimed debt of KSh 19 million.
Commenting on the post, Kenyans questioned the transparency and the way county governments handle disputes with suppliers.
One concerned social media user, Stephen Gichuru, challenged Kioko to seek legal redress, stating:
“Why are you not going to court if you have a conviction that you have been wronged? I believe there is justice in this world.”
Another commentator, Sammy Musee, argued that the payment itself raised serious questions about the county’s position.
“If they managed to pay KSh 20,000, this is a clear indication that they have accepted they owe you the KSh 19 million. It’s your time now to pressure them,” Musee wrote.
Also Read: Millie Odhiambo Addresses Online Claims Linking Her to James Opande’s Dismissal
County Denials and Legal Stand‑Off
In an earlier notice, Machakos County Government, through the Office of the County Attorney, said it did not owe Sammy Kioko any money.
The county said Kioko was not registered as a supplier and was not listed as a director, shareholder, or authorised representative of any company awarded the tender.
It also claimed that the supplies were either not fully delivered or lacked the required paperwork, making it difficult to process payment.
The county went on to ask Kioko and media personalities who had publicly discussed the issue to provide official tender documents, such as local purchase orders, delivery notes, and power of attorney letters, to demonstrate they were properly authorised to act on behalf of the contracted company.
Machakos County Government also cautioned that contractual matters should not be discussed through third parties, stating that any payment discussions should be handled directly between the county and the lawfully contracted company, as required by procurement rules.
