Machakos County Government has issued a formal demand letter to media personality Steve Thompson Magana, popularly known as Oga Obinna, following a highly publicised interview with comedian Sammy Kioko in which Kioko alleged the county owes him KSh 19 million. The letter, signed by County Solicitor Juliet Nthambi, demands that Obinna produce supporting documents for Kioko’s claims.
On 10 November 2025, Oga Obinna hosted Sammy Kioko on The Obinna Show Live, where Kioko claimed he supplied uniforms or services to Machakos County but has not been paid the supposed KSh 19 million. Kioko described how non-payment has hurt his business, impacted his mental health, and forced him to seek help from friends.
The county stated that Kioko is not a registered supplier and that his company does not appear in the county’s procurement records. They added there is no documented contract or authorization for Kioko to act on behalf of any company in dealings with the county, and no evidence of the meetings he referenced in the interview. The letter warned Obinna that failure to provide these documents could result in legal action for spreading false and misleading information. The county also referenced the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act, noting that only prequalified and registered suppliers can transact with the government.
Obinna reacted by posting the demand letter on social media, expressing disbelief and challenging Kioko to produce contracts and delivery notes stamped and signed by Machakos County officials. He criticized the county for sending a legal letter instead of engaging Kioko directly and pledged to cooperate by having his lawyer submit the requested documentation. Obinna also encouraged other young entrepreneurs to keep evidence of transactions with government clients.
The dispute has drawn public sympathy, with calls for greater transparency in county procurement processes. Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko offered to help Kioko recover the KSh 19 million, while the county claimed Kioko’s allegations were politically motivated to discredit Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
The case highlights accountability in county contracting and the role of digital media in exposing alleged payment disputes. For entrepreneurs, it underscores the importance of keeping strong documentation, including contracts, delivery notes, and invoices. The outcome will depend on whether Obinna and Kioko present the requested evidence and how Machakos County chooses to respond, potentially involving arbitration or court proceedings.
