Comedians and fans have slammed Machakos County Government after comedian Sammy Kioko was allegedly arrested and manhandled during a protest at the county offices yesterday.
“This is the highest level of impunity shown to people demanding their payment,” said fellow comedian Nasra Yusuf.
KRG the Don also criticised county administrations for exploitative and unsafe business practices, warning that working with devolved units could cripple small enterprises, with some suppliers reportedly waiting “up to ten years” for payment.
He described the alleged use of force against service providers as “ukatil i wa hali ya juu” (extreme cruelty) and urged businesses to prioritise private sector contracts over county deals.
The confrontation stems from a long-running financial dispute.
Kioko claims the county owes him approximately Sh19 million for supplying uniforms through a tender awarded to him and his sister.
In recent days, he escalated the matter by organising a public protest outside the county headquarters, inviting fellow contractors and media to highlight systemic delays in settling supplier payments.
Tensions intensified when Kioko issued an ultimatum demanding immediate payment.
County officials reportedly disputed parts of his claim, arguing he was not directly privy to the contract. On March 31, the protest went ahead despite these disagreements.
Witnesses said county enforcement officers were deployed to disperse demonstrators, during which Kioko was allegedly dragged to the ground and arrested.
Fellow entertainer Tom Daktari was also reportedly detained.
Kioko later sought medical attention, further fuelling public anger and calls for accountability.