Piny Luo Festival Payment Scandal Deepens as Suppliers Demand Answers Over Millions Released but Bills Remain Unpaid
A major storm is brewing around the 2025 Piny Luo Cultural Festival after a group of suppliers, consultants and service providers accused Elgon Group of failing to settle outstanding payments more than six months after the successful conclusion of the event. The aggrieved businesses are now demanding answers from both Elgon Group and the County Government of Migori over what they describe as an unacceptable delay that has pushed some of them into financial distress. The suppliers say they delivered all contracted services professionally and in good faith, helping to ensure the success of one of Migori County's flagship cultural events. Their services included media coordination, logistics, communications, protocol management, sports coordination, site preparation and other critical support functions that contributed to the smooth running of the festival. Despite fulfilling their obligations, they claim they are yet to receive payments for work completed many months ago. What is now raising eyebrows is that while suppliers continue struggling to recover their money, public records indicate that substantial government funds were approved to facilitate the event. Documents show that on January 22, 2026, the Controller of Budget approved a request by the National Treasury for the withdrawal of KSh105 million to facilitate the Piny Luo Cultural Festival after the initial budget allocation was deemed insufficient. The approval was granted under Article 223 of the Constitution to ensure the event's financial requirements were met. This development has triggered serious questions among the affected service providers. They are now asking how an event that benefited from public funding can leave behind a trail of unpaid bills months after its completion. If the money was approved and released, they want to know where it went, who was paid and why those who actually delivered services remain unpaid. The suppliers say their attempts to seek answers directly from Elgon Group have yielded little progress. According to them, the company has maintained that a significant portion of its payment from the County Government of Migori remains outstanding. However, the suppliers argue that they cannot continue being caught in the middle of payment disputes while their businesses suffer. Many of the affected businesses claim they invested heavily in the event after receiving assurances that they would be paid. Some hired workers, leased equipment, purchased materials and borrowed money to execute their assignments. Months later, they say they are still servicing debts and struggling with cash flow problems because payments have not been forthcoming. The situation has now evolved beyond a simple contractual disagreement. For the suppliers, it has become a matter of accountability and fairness. They argue that small businesses should not be forced to shoulder financial losses after delivering services for a publicly funded event. They insist that those who organized and benefited from the festival must take responsibility for ensuring all legitimate service providers are paid. In a formal petition addressed to Governor Ochillo Ayacko, the suppliers have requested the County Government of Migori to intervene and publicly clarify the status of payments made to Elgon Group under the festival contract. They want transparency regarding how much money has been released, how much remains outstanding and what measures are being taken to ensure suppliers receive their dues. The suppliers argue that the matter sends a worrying message to businesses that partner with government-linked projects. They warn that if contractors and service providers continue being left unpaid after delivering work, many small businesses will become reluctant to participate in future public events and projects. Their frustration is further fueled by the fact that the Piny Luo Festival was promoted as a celebration of culture, tourism and economic empowerment. Yet the very businesses that helped make the event possible now claim they have been left fighting for survival while waiting for money they earned through legitimate work. WhatsApp Image 2026 05 29 at 19.10.44 The group has now issued a final warning. Unless the outstanding payments are settled within the next fourteen days, they intend to commence legal proceedings against Elgon Group to recover the money owed, together with damages arising from the delayed payments and alleged breach of contract. As pressure continues mounting, attention is increasingly turning toward both Elgon Group and the County Government of Migori. The questions being asked are becoming harder to ignore. The event took place. The suppliers delivered. Public funds were reportedly approved. Yet six months later, those who did the work are still waiting to be paid. For the affected businesses, the issue is no longer simply about money. It is about justice, accountability and ensuring that those who contribute to public events are not abandoned once the celebrations end.
Ladun Liadi -
