An entertainer and businessman identified as Kioko is currently receiving treatment after an alleged assault during protests outside the Machakos County Government offices over unpaid supplier dues.
Kioko was admitted on March 31 after being referred from Kang’undo Level 4 Hospital, where he had initially been taken following earlier treatment at Athi River Level 4 Hospital.
Protest Over Unpaid Millions
The incident stems from a dispute between contractors and the county government over pending payments. Kioko claims that his fashion business, Movata Fashion, supplied uniforms to the county during the 2023/2024 financial year under a contract worth Sh20 million.
However, he alleges that despite fulfilling the contract, he has only received Sh20,000—a claim he backed by sharing Mpesa transaction messages.
Kioko had been among a group of contractors who gathered outside the county offices to demand payment, accusing the administration of delaying or ignoring legitimate claims.
Planned Demonstration Turns Chaotic
The protest had been planned a day earlier, with Kioko publicly mobilising fellow suppliers and contractors to attend a peaceful demonstration.
“Nothing will stop us from coming tomorrow. We will accompany those suppliers, those contractors, together with their families, and at exactly 10 am, peacefully, we will be seated within the county government of Machakos offices,” he said in a video shared on March 30.
He encouraged those affected to remain firm, insisting the goal was to push for dialogue with county officials.
“We deserve to be listened to; let us have this conversation. Let us see justice served, and everyone will be happy,” he added.
However, the situation reportedly escalated when enforcement officers moved in to disperse the protesters, leading to chaos and the alleged assault that left Kioko injured.
County Government Denies Contract
In response, the Machakos County Government has denied the existence of any contractual agreement with Kioko or some of the individuals claiming payment.
County Secretary Muya Ndambuki stated that the administration is only engaging verified contractors listed in official records.
“We stand here to give an update on the pending bills and correct certain misconceptions. Of now, we have managed to settle Sh642,345,765 out of the eligible historical pending amount of Sh2.12 billion,” Ndambuki said.
He noted that a large portion of the remaining claims falls under unverified or ineligible categories, including individuals who cannot be directly linked to formal contracts.
“But certain persons are presenting themselves as persons who have contracted with the government. When we look at the books… we cannot directly place them in any contractual arrangement,” he explained.
“Strangers to the Contract”
Ndambuki further argued that individuals not formally recognised in county records cannot be included in settlement discussions.
“A person who is not privy to the contract becomes a stranger to that contract. You therefore will have no business getting to the table,” he stated.
Contractors Push Back
Despite the county’s position, Kioko and other contractors insist they are legitimate suppliers who have been unfairly excluded from payment processes.
The standoff highlights a broader issue affecting many counties across Kenya—pending bills owed to suppliers, which continue to strain relationships between governments and private contractors.
Growing Public Concern
Kioko’s hospitalisation has intensified public scrutiny over how the protest was handled, particularly regarding the use of force against demonstrators.
The incident has sparked debate around:
- The treatment of peaceful protesters
- Transparency in county procurement processes
- Delays in settling pending bills
As Kioko continues to recover, attention remains on both his condition and the unresolved dispute between contractors and the county government.
Bigger Issue: Pending Bills Crisis
The situation in Machakos reflects a nationwide challenge where suppliers often face delayed payments despite delivering goods and services.
Experts warn that such delays:
- Hurt small and medium enterprises
- Discourage businesses from working with government entities
- Slow down economic activity at the county level
Conclusion
The alleged assault and subsequent hospitalisation of Kioko have brought renewed focus to the long-standing issue of unpaid contractor dues in Kenya.
While the Machakos County Government maintains that only verified claims will be honoured, affected contractors continue to demand accountability and fair treatment.
The outcome of this dispute could set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled across the country.