Wavinya Ndeti is facing criticism after Sammy Kioko was allegedly assaulted following his arrest during a protest over unpaid tenders in Machakos County. He is currently receiving treatment at Nairobi hospital after the incident, which has raised concern among residents and contractors.
The confrontation is said to have started outside county offices where Kioko had gone to demand payment for work he claims to have completed. Instead of getting a response, the situation escalated, with reports alleging he was beaten by individuals believed to be county staff and others linked to the National Intelligence Service.
These claims have not been officially addressed, but they have already triggered debate about the handling of disputes between contractors and county authorities.
For many young people, accessing government tenders is seen as a way to build a livelihood. However, the process is costly from the start. Company registration, compliance, and pre-qualification can cost between 20,000 and 30,000 shillings.
There are also consultant fees, paperwork, and the cost of delivering the actual work. Most contractors depend on loans or personal savings, hoping to recover the money once payments are made.
When payments delay or fail, the impact is immediate. Some are left struggling to repay loans, while others are forced to shut down their businesses. This is why Kioko’s case is now attracting attention, as it reflects a challenge many contractors face but rarely speak about openly.
There are also concerns being raised about how such complaints are handled. Instead of engagement or negotiation, the situation in this case appears to have turned into confrontation.
This has led to questions about whether there are proper systems in place to resolve disputes between counties and suppliers without conflict.
Leaders from the region, including Kalonzo Musyoka, are now being urged by residents to step in and help push for a solution. Many believe that beyond the individual case, there is a need to ensure contractors are treated fairly and that their concerns are addressed through proper channels.
