Kenyans have once again demonstrated the “Kenyans for Kenyans” spirit after rallying to support comedian Sammy Kioko, who has been facing a financial crisis.
Kioko appeared on Oga Obinna’s show on the night of Monday, November 10, where he spoke in detail about his dispute with the Machakos County Government and Governor Wavinya Ndeti over a multi-million shilling unpaid tender.
According to Kioko, his company supplied products and services worth Sh19 million to the county but has yet to receive payment.
The comedian said he has been pursuing the pending payment for over a year, but all efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
ALSO READ: Sammy Kioko unbowed as clash with Machakos County over unpaid tender intensifies
While narrating his ordeal on the show, Kioko broke down in tears as he shared the challenges he has faced since the county allegedly failed to honor the payment.
As is customary on the show, Obinna called on his fans and other Kenyans to contribute and help Kioko get back on his feet.
Within less than 30 minutes, viewers rallied behind the comedian and donated Sh221,000 in support.
Kioko was visibly emotional upon learning the amount raised and tearfully expressed his gratitude to Kenyans for standing with him.
This development comes just days after he announced the closure of his once-thriving fashion business due to lack of funds.
The closure marked a painful turning point for the former Churchill Show star, who revealed that he has been struggling to keep his business afloat amid the delayed payments.
Kioko further disclosed that he was forced to lay off several employees due to financial constraints, attributing the dire situation to the unpaid dues from the county.
Although he did not directly mention Governor Wavinya Ndeti in his earlier public appeals, Kioko strongly implied that the county’s failure to settle his company’s payment is the root cause of his financial woes.
“The worst that I was fearing is happening. It’s with a heavy heart that we’re announcing the closure of our shops and production areas. Despite our best efforts, we’ve faced significant challenges that have made it impossible for us to continue operating,” Kioko wrote.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, supporters, and team members who’ve been part of this journey. Not a goodbye, but a see-you-later. We won’t get tired of knocking the county offices. God above everything,” he added.
ALSO READ: Sammy Kioko shuts down lucrative company days after exposing Machakos Governor over unpaid tender
Earlier, Kioko had shared a video recorded outside the Machakos Governor’s residence, detailing his year-long attempts to get his company paid for work already completed.
In the video, he appealed to Kenyans and fellow celebrities to help amplify his concerns, in hopes of prompting Governor Ndeti to intervene.
His emotional revelations quickly went viral, sparking public debate and renewed criticism over how county governments handle payments owed to youth-led enterprises.
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