Machos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has addressed a dispute involving supplier Sammy Kioko following an incident in Machakos Town on 31 March 2026, stating that he is not a registered supplier of the county government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor clarified that Movata Designs is the firm contracted to supply inspectorate uniforms. She added that any individual claiming to represent the company must provide proper legal authorisation, including formal documentation or recognised legal representation.
Ndeti acknowledged that the company delivered part of the uniforms towards the close of the 2023/2024 financial year. However, she explained that the consignment was not inspected or formally accepted at the time, leading to its classification as a pending bill in line with public finance procedures.
To resolve outstanding payments, the county established verification committees following recommendations from the Office of the Auditor-General and the Office of the Controller of Budget.
The review covered inherited pending bills amounting to over KSh3.8 billion, with slightly above KSh2.1 billion approved for payment and the rest deemed ineligible due to incomplete documentation and unverified claims.
The governor stated that a portion of the verified claims has already been settled, with the remaining balance expected to be addressed through the forthcoming supplementary budget and future financial allocations, depending on available resources.
The clarification comes after Kioko was hospitalised following an incident outside Machakos County Government offices, where contractors had gathered to demand settlement of unpaid dues. Reports indicate that enforcement officers dispersed the demonstrators, during which Kioko sustained injuries.
Kioko, who is also linked to a fashion business associated with the supply of uniforms, has claimed that his company entered into a contract with the county but received only a minimal payment. The protest had been organised a day earlier, as suppliers mobilised to push for accountability over delayed payments.
The developments have highlighted ongoing tensions between county governments and suppliers over pending bills, even as authorities insist on strict verification processes to ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
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