Comedians Sammy Kioko and Tom Daktari Arrested During Protest Over Unpaid Tenders
Two popular Kenyan comedians, Sammy Kioko and Tom Daktari, have been arrested by police outside the Machakos County Finance Offices.
The comedians were staging a peaceful protest demanding payment for tenders they had won from the county government. The incident happened on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The two artists claimed that the county owes them money for services provided under valid contracts. They decided to demonstrate peacefully after several attempts to follow up on the payments failed. Witnesses said the comedians were carrying placards and chanting slogans when police moved in and arrested them. They were taken to Machakos Police Station where they are currently being held.
Many Kenyans have expressed support for the comedians on social media, calling the arrest an overreaction to a peaceful demand for payment. The incident has sparked debate about how county governments handle payments to small suppliers and service providers. Supporters of Sammy Kioko and Tom Daktari are now calling for their immediate release and for Machakos County to clear all pending bills. The comedians are well known for their comedy skits that often highlight everyday struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
