Sammie Kioko speaks out after being injured at Machakos protest

Comedian Sammie Kioko has broken his silence following what he claims was a brutal assault during a protest over unpaid dues in Machakos.

Speaking in a heartfelt message on Monday, April 6, 2026, Kioko reflected on the ordeal, saying the experience tested him physically and emotionally but did not break his spirit.

“It began with a voice, a voice that refused to stay silent. Through interviews and press briefings, I spoke not just for myself, but for many who had long been unheard,” he said.

Kioko explained that day after day, he and fellow protesters walked into offices carrying hope, questions, and the dreams of many.

“But sometimes, when you speak the truth to power, you step into danger. Then, in the moment that changed everything, the unthinkable happened. I was attacked, not because I was wrong, but because I refused to stay silent,” he added.

Despite the painful hospitalisation that followed, Kioko said he never felt alone. “The community, artists, leaders, youths, and ordinary citizens stood firm. Demonstrations were planned, prayers were offered, and support poured in. Every visit, every message, every prayer became my strength,” he claimed.

He expressed profound gratitude to Kenyans who rallied behind him. “I walked out not as a victim, but as a survivor. Still standing. Still speaking,” Kioko said, emphasising his determination to continue advocating for justice and fairness in the arts sector.

The incident occurred while Kioko and fellow comedian and close friend Tom Daktari were demanding payment of Ksh19 million owed by the Machakos County Government for services rendered.

The protest sparked nationwide attention, with many artists, leaders , and citizens voicing solidarity and calling for accountability.

This comes days after Machakos county governor Wavinya Ndeti was forced to intervene, hosting Sammie Kioko’s sister, Maureen Mwende Mutua, along with her parents, to discuss the pending Ksh19 million payment owed to Movata Designs, following the protest and hospitalisation of Sammie Kioko.

During the meeting, Governor Ndeti emphasised that all payments would follow proper procedures, assuring that the dispute would be resolved transparently and fairly.

Maureen Mwende expressed gratitude for the intervention and acknowledged that some of the family’s previous actions online were driven by frustration, but that they now understand the correct channels for addressing such matters.

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