Comedian Sammy Kioko Hospitalised After Alleged Assault by Machakos Askaris During Protest

Comedian and businessman Sammy Kioko is receiving treatment at Nairobi West Hospital following an alleged assault by Machakos county askaris during a protest over a disputed payment claim.

Kioko was admitted on March 31 after being referred from Kang’undo Level 4 Hospital, where he had been taken after initial treatment at Athi River Level 4 Hospital.

The incident reportedly occurred outside the Machakos County Government offices, where Kioko had joined other contractors in demonstrations over unpaid dues.

The entertainer, who also runs Movata Fashion, claims that his company supplied uniforms to the county government during the 2023/2024 financial year under a contract worth Sh20 million. However, he alleges that despite delivering the goods, he only received Sh20,000—backing his claim with Mpesa transaction messages.

The protest had been organised a day earlier, with Kioko publicly urging fellow suppliers and contractors to gather peacefully at the county headquarters to demand accountability and payment.

“Nothing will stop us from coming tomorrow. We will accompany those suppliers, those contractors, together with their families, and at exactly 10 am, peacefully, we will be seated within the county government of Machakos offices,” he said in a video shared on March 30.

He encouraged those affected not to fear, maintaining that the demonstration was meant to push for dialogue with county officials.

“We deserve to be listened to; let us have this conversation. Let us see justice served, and everyone will be happy,” he added.

However, the situation reportedly escalated when the group gathered outside the county offices, with enforcement officers dispersing the protesters. In the ensuing confrontation, Kioko was allegedly assaulted, leaving him injured and requiring medical attention.