Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti is facing sharp criticism over how her administration handled a KSh19 million payment dispute, with growing anger from sections of the public who now accuse her of ignoring young entrepreneurs until the situation spiraled out of control.
The dispute, involving comedian Sammy Kioko and his family’s company, Movata Designs, had been raised repeatedly for months with claims that the county delayed payment for over a year.
Despite these concerns, there was no visible urgency from the county leadership, a move that many now say reflects a pattern of neglect toward small and youth-linked businesses trying to work with government.
Frustration grew as Kioko and his family took the matter public, saying the unpaid money was affecting their operations.
What began as a financial disagreement quickly turned into a wider debate about accountability, fairness, and how county governments treat suppliers who lack political influence.
Critics argue that Wavinya Ndeti only acted after the situation escalated into a public crisis. Reports of chaos, including claims of confrontation and Kioko being hospitalized, intensified the pressure. For many observers, this raised serious questions about whether the county could have prevented the escalation by addressing the issue earlier through proper engagement.
Youth groups in Machakos have expressed anger, with some accusing the governor of sidelining young entrepreneurs while appearing responsive only when public attention becomes overwhelming.
The protests and online reactions reflected deeper frustration beyond just one payment dispute, pointing to broader concerns about delayed county payments and the struggles faced by small businesses.
The governor’s decision to host Kioko’s sister, Maureen Mwende Mutua, and their parents at her residence has been seen by some as a late attempt to contain the fallout.
While the meeting signaled a shift toward dialogue, critics argue it came after damage had already been done.
Questions remain about why such engagement did not happen earlier when the issue was first raised.
Wavinya Ndeti has maintained that the county must follow due process before making any payments. She has emphasized that the contract is tied to a registered company and must undergo verification.
However, this position has not fully calmed critics, who say due process should not become an excuse for prolonged delays.
