Comedian Sammy Kioko is receiving treatment after he was reportedly assaulted by officers from the Machakos county government during a confrontation over unpaid dues. He was first taken to a facility in Athi River before being transferred to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital, and later moved to Nairobi West Hospital, where he is recovering. Fellow comedian Tom Daktari, who had been arrested alongside him, was later released.
According to Nasra Yusuff, the incident followed a planned visit by a group of comedians to the county headquarters to push for payment Kioko claims he is owed. She said they had mobilised colleagues to support him in the protest, expressing shock after learning he had been injured. Emotional posts shared online showed Kioko in distress on a hospital stretcher, moments that left many of his supporters shaken.
The dispute centres on a reported KSh 19 million claim Kioko is demanding from the Machakos county government under Governor Wavinya Ndeti. The governor has previously downplayed the issue, referring it to the accounts department. Following the incident, celebrities and Kenyans online have criticised the alleged use of force, urging the county leadership to address the matter and provide clarity.