Comedian Sammy Kioko and his friend, Tom Daktari, have allegedly been arrested while staging a protest against unpaid money by the Machakos county government.
Kioko, who cut his teeth on the Churchill Show, had issued a warning that he would stage a protest outside the county headquarters.
Speaking on Friday, March 27, at a press briefing, Kioko invited media, contractors, and suppliers to highlight concerns about delayed payments by the county government.
He also urged fellow suppliers to remain firm and not yield to pressure.
Several contractors supported his claims, alleging intimidation and failure to settle pending bills.
The situation escalated when individuals reportedly disrupted the press event, forcing those present to flee. Kioko then announced plans to camp outside the county offices if the matter remained unresolved.
He gave an ultimatum to Governor Wavinya Ndeti, demanding payment within a specified timeframe. Kioko, alongside his sister, claims they are owed KSh 19 million for supplying uniforms through a county tender.
On the eve of the protests, the county government alluded that Kioko was not privy to the contract.
“We have a plan to offset the outstanding bills,” a county official said. However, Kioko dismissed the statement, noting that he would go to the county offices.
“Nothing stops us from coming tomorrow. We have heard these stories before.”
On Tuesday, March 31, Kioko shared an update saying that the county had deployed its officers at their premises.
“Inspectorate has been deployed heavily to intimidate people; make sure you come wearing those uniforms. Intimidation won’t work!”
Kioko’s friends, Nasra Yusuff and Tom, showed up in support. Soon after, Nasra claimed that Kioko had been assaulted and detained.
“He has been beaten up by county askaris and arrested. This represents the highest level of impunity demonstrated against individuals demanding their payment.”
In a follow-up update, Nasra claimed that Tom was also detained.
