Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti is facing growing public criticism after a video of comedian Sammy Kioko camping outside her office went viral, accusing the county government of failing to pay him for supplies he made nearly two years ago.
The video, shared on Friday, October 25, showed Kioko sitting in his car outside the county headquarters, saying he had been trying since morning to meet the governor but had been blocked by officials.
His calm but frustrated tone struck a chord with many Kenyans, turning the spotlight directly on Wavinya Ndeti’s leadership and how her administration handles payments to contractors and artists.
Kioko claimed he supplied items to the county government and had been following up on the payment without success.
His decision to spend the night outside the governor’s office was, he said, an act of desperation after years of waiting and being given promises that never materialized.
The comedian’s video quickly went viral, leading to a wave of reactions directed at Governor Ndeti. Many Kenyans took to social media to call her out, demanding she take responsibility and ensure that Kioko and other service providers are paid without further delay.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti, known for her outspoken leadership and frequent public engagements, has so far remained silent on the issue. Her silence has fueled speculation and frustration, with many wondering why her office has not addressed the matter or provided clarity.
Critics argue that her administration’s handling of the situation reflects a deeper problem of delayed payments that affects many contractors in county governments across Kenya.
Others have said that as a leader who often champions youth empowerment and innovation, she should set an example by supporting artists like Kioko rather than leaving them stranded.
The incident has added pressure on the Machakos County Government, which now faces questions about transparency, accountability, and financial management.
For many Kenyans, the situation goes beyond Kioko’s case it highlights a wider challenge where suppliers and creatives are often left unpaid long after completing their work. The growing public outrage has turned into a test for Wavinya Ndeti’s leadership style, with citizens calling for her to intervene personally and offer a clear solution.
Calls for action have grown louder. Social media users have flooded Wavinya Ndeti’s pages with messages demanding fairness and respect for workers who depend on county contracts to earn a living. Some have defended her, saying the matter could be under review, but most agree that the governor’s continued silence risks damaging her image as a responsive and people-centered leader.
