Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has revived his campaign to have Chief Justice Martha Koome removed from office, demanding answers over a three-year delay in processing his petition to the Judicial Service Commission.
In a strongly worded letter dated November 24, 2025, Sonko expressed frustration at what he termed an inexplicable silence from the JSC over a complaint he filed on July 21, 2022, seeking the removal of the country’s top judge.
The former governor claims the commission has not issued any communication, update, directions or hearing date since his petition was officially received and stamped on July 22, 2022.
“More than three and a half years later, we have not received any response from the Commission,” Sonko wrote to the JSC Secretariat at Pension Towers, attaching a copy of the acknowledged petition as evidence.
The petition was filed at the height of Sonko’s legal troubles following his impeachment by the Senate. In it, he accuses Justice Koome of gross misconduct, bias and constitutional violations in handling his appeal at the Supreme Court.
Central to Sonko’s grievances is the Supreme Court judgment that upheld his impeachment and barred him from contesting the 2022 Mombasa gubernatorial race.
He argues the ruling was delivered after what he describes as an unfair and rushed process that denied him adequate time to file submissions.
Sonko alleges Justice Koome compromised judicial neutrality through remarks made during a Spice FM interview, suggesting she had formed an opinion on his case before the Supreme Court made its determination.
He further claims the Chief Justice misled his lawyers about the composition of the bench hearing his appeal and refused to recuse herself despite an apparent conflict of interest.
CJ Martha Koome.
Correspondence between Sonko’s legal team and the Supreme Court reveals administrative confusion in the handling of the case.
On July 12, 2022, the Judiciary admitted to issuing incomplete directions and apologized for the oversight.
However, just one day later, the court summoned Sonko for a hearing scheduled for July 14, 2022.
Sonko received the notice while in Mombasa, where a High Court bench had just cleared him to contest for governor.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had officially approved his candidacy following that ruling.
The former governor questions why the Supreme Court hurriedly fixed his hearing for the very next day, arguing that neither he nor other parties were given time to file submissions or participate in selecting an appropriate hearing date.
His legal team was still in Mombasa when the notice was issued.
“What was the hurry for? The High Court had just ruled that I should be allowed to vie since I had not exhausted my appeal options. Then on the same day, the Supreme Court fixed the next day to determine my case. Who was pushing them? Why were they in such a rush? We were never given a chance to file submissions,” Sonko stated.
After the Supreme Court upheld his impeachment and effectively blocked him from the Mombasa race despite IEBC clearance, Sonko took his fight to the East African Court of Justice.
The regional court later found procedural violations in the Supreme Court’s handling of his impeachment proceedings.
The EACJ ruled that Sonko’s impeachment process violated his right to a fair trial, citing possible breaches of the Kenyan Constitution and the East African Community Treaty.
While the court did not overturn the Supreme Court’s decision, it sharply criticized procedural flaws that undermined the credibility of the impeachment.
The regional court noted that permanently barring Sonko from holding public office inflicted irreparable harm on his political career and reputation, emphasizing that such a severe penalty demanded unquestionable fairness.
Armed with the EACJ findings, Sonko is now pressing the JSC to act on his petition against Justice Koome. He is seeking clarity on whether his complaint has been processed, dismissed or scheduled for deliberation, urging the commission to respond urgently.
The former governor’s renewed push comes at a time when the Judiciary has faced multiple petitions seeking the removal of senior judges. However, several such petitions have been dismissed in recent months for failing to meet the constitutional threshold for removal proceedings.
The JSC had not responded to Sonko’s latest letter by the time of publication.
Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko and Principal Secretary Terry Mbaika are in the crosshairs of international investigations after allegedly fraudulently obtaining Ksh 100 million from an international airline.
According to well-placed sources, Sonko received the Ksh 100 million from FlyDubai Airlines to influence Mbaika to award the airline the license to operate flights between Dubai and Nairobi.
Mbaika, who is the PS in charge of the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, has however denied receiving any money from Sonko.
The scandal has rocked relations between Kenya and Dubai and caused the airline embarrassment, forcing both governments to launch investigations.
According to sources privy to the issue, Sonko has confessed that he was acting as the go-between for FlyDubai, which wanted more flights and a license to land at JKIA.
“When he took the idea to PS Terry, she didn’t ask for paperwork; she allegedly asked for Ksh 100 million cash. No discussion, no shame,” said the source.
However, Mbaika has denied receiving any money from Sonko, although she admits the former governor approached her to help the airline.
Sonko claims they agreed to give her Ksh 50 million first, and Terry allegedly sent her point man, businessman James Mbaluka, to collect the money.
Sonko insists he paid in four night-time installments at the Sheraton Hotel near JKIA, around USD 400,000 in total.
However, the source states that Sonko’s version of the incident is not accurate.
“The PS was in Dubai for another official assignment when Sonko and Mbaluka followed her there. They then invited FlyDubai officials to meet the PS,” said the source.
“The PS told them the application would have to follow procedure.”
After the meeting, the source explains, Sonko forged a letter to show that the Government of Kenya had allowed FlyDubai to operate flights between Dubai and Nairobi.
On the strength of this forged letter, FlyDubai released another Ksh 50 million to Sonko.
Embarrassingly, the airline then issued a press release announcing to the world that it would, beginning October 15, start weekly flights to Nairobi.
The announcement shocked Kenyan aviation officials who were not aware of such a development.
According to Sonko, after the PS received the money, she and Mbaluka allegedly pulled a fast one on him.
They quietly flew to Dubai to talk to FlyDubai on their own, trying to cut Sonko out of the deal completely and claim credit and benefits for themselves.
When Sonko followed up, Terry allegedly pretended she didn’t know anything and had never seen any cash.
Sonko says he has recordings of the talks, videos of the payments, and CCTV footage from the hotel.
He is reportedly ready to hand everything to President William Ruto.
The ouster of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was orchestrated through a calculated plot hatched at State House, the Anti-Corruption Court heard on Monday in explosive testimony that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political circles.
Former Nairobi County Finance Executive Winfred Gathagu made the startling revelations before Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki, detailing how senior State House officials approached her and other county officials to fabricate criminal charges and support an impeachment process against Sonko.
“My colleagues and I from Nairobi County were approached on several occasions by senior State House officials who asked us to assist in building cases against my former boss, Mike Sonko for court proceedings, impeachment and related efforts,” Gathagu testified while being led in Sonko’s defense by lawyers Assa Nyakundi and Elizabeth Ochieng’.
The former finance chief revealed that the motivation behind the alleged scheme was Sonko’s relentless campaign against corruption at City Hall.
“All that happened because Sonko was fighting corruption, and the plans to remove him were all hatched at State House,” she told the court.
Gathagu disclosed that she had been caught in the middle of the plot, having initially testified as a prosecution witness under witness protection.
However, her conscience would not allow her to participate in what she described as a fabricated case. She testified as a prosecution witness but declined to lie in court, choosing instead to tell the truth. As a result, the state almost arrested her for her refusal to cooperate with the alleged scheme.
The witness detailed how several strategy meetings were held at State House specifically aimed at engineering a strong corruption case against the former governor.
“I was involved in various aspects of this case, including recording statements and preparing to be a witness. These strategy meetings at State House were specifically aimed at removing Sonko from office,” she said.
Ms Winfred Gathagu, a former Nairobi Finance County Executive Committee Member at the Anti- Corruption Court on July 28 2025.
Despite the explosive nature of her testimony, Gathagu declined to name the specific State House officials involved, citing safety concerns.
She noted that most witnesses in Sonko’s case had testified in camera for the same reason, but indicated her willingness to reveal the names if proper security guarantees were provided.
During her testimony, Gathagu also addressed her role in authorizing payments to Webtribe Ltd, popularly known as JamboPay, the company at the center of Sonko’s corruption charges. She confirmed making payments to the electronic revenue collection firm, emphasizing that these were legitimate payments for services rendered without any external influence.
“I made payments to Webtribe when I served as Chief Officer of Finance. The payments were for services rendered in collecting revenue on behalf of Nairobi County,” she testified, adding that delays were often due to funding issues from the exchequer rather than any corrupt dealings.
Crucially, Gathagu distanced Sonko from any direct involvement in financial dealings, stating that his role was limited to budget-making and that he neither influenced nor directed payments to service providers.
She further testified that Sonko had consistently raised concerns about corruption at City Hall, particularly involving cashiers, and had taken concrete steps to address the problem.
“It is true we discovered irregularities in payment processes. That is why Sonko kept complaining. We took corrective action and fired cashiers who had been in office for over five years and replaced them with new ones,” she told the court.
Under cross-examination by State Prosecutor Wesley Nyamache, Gathagu admitted she did not record any statement with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission about the alleged State House plot, though she had recorded two statements with the EACC on January 15 and 20, 2020, regarding other aspects of the case.
The testimony represents a dramatic turn in Sonko’s ongoing Sh20 million corruption case, with the former governor’s defense team appearing to build a case that the charges against him were politically motivated rather than based on actual criminal conduct.
The hearing is set to continue on August 5, 2025, as the court seeks to unravel what appears to be one of the most politically charged corruption cases in recent Kenyan history.
Explosive court testimony reveals massive corruption scheme in Nairobi County revenue collection contracts
A shocking corruption scandal involving millions of shillings in daily bribes has emerged at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, with testimony revealing that JamboPay director Danson Muchemi allegedly offered former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko between Sh4-5 million daily to secure a lucrative revenue collection contract.
The bombshell revelation came from Chief Inspector Kiptoo Kisorio, who testified before Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki on Wednesday about a 2019 sting operation that captured damning audio evidence of the bribery attempt.
According to Kisorio’s testimony, the dramatic events unfolded on January 10, 2019, when Governor Sonko approached police at Mtwapa station, reporting that Muchemi was attempting to bribe him to retain JamboPay’s contract for Nairobi County revenue collection.
“Governor Mike Sonko had reported that Muchemi was trying to bribe him to retain JamboPay’s contract for revenue collection in Nairobi County,” Kisorio told the court, detailing how police provided the governor with a Sony audio recorder to secretly capture the conversation.
The meeting took place at Sonko’s Kanamai home in Kilifi County, with police officers remaining hidden while the governor recorded what would become crucial evidence in the corruption case.
Perhaps most explosive was Muchemi’s alleged claim that former Governor Evans Kidero had made a staggering Sh7 billion from a similar revenue collection deal during his tenure.
This revelation suggests a pattern of massive corruption stretching across multiple gubernatorial administrations.
The 57-minute audio recording, which the court is set to hear on Thursday, allegedly captures Muchemi promising Sonko the daily millions while boasting about the enormous profits his predecessor had allegedly extracted from similar arrangements.
The corruption web was first exposed by whistleblower Henry Shitanda, former president of Bunge la Wananchi, who testified that his grassroots movement received alarming reports from City Hall insiders about irregularities in the JamboPay contract.
“We have members embedded in various private and public institutions. In this particular matter, we received a complaint from members working within Nairobi County,” Shitanda revealed, explaining how he wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions on December 14, 2018.
His letter, copied to multiple investigative agencies including the DCI and EACC, prompted the probe that would eventually lead to the current court proceedings.
The case centers on a Sh20 million corruption scandal involving the procurement of digital revenue collection services at Nairobi City Hall.
The charges against Sonko include 11 graft-related counts involving accusations of misappropriation, lack of transparency, and abuse of office.
JamboPay, owned by businessman Danson Muchemi and operating under Webtribe Ltd, had secured the contract for revenue collection services, but the circumstances surrounding the deal have raised serious questions about procurement integrity.
The court proceedings continue with the highly anticipated playing of the audio recording on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
The recording is expected to provide crucial evidence in determining the extent of corruption surrounding the revenue collection tender.
“We believe the audio will reveal the extent of corruption surrounding the revenue collection tender,” Kisorio stated, highlighting the significance of the evidence.
This case represents more than just another corruption scandal – it exposes a potentially systemic problem in Kenya’s county revenue collection systems, where lucrative contracts may have been treated as personal ATMs by those in power.
The case continues with two former police bosses from Mtwapa expected to testify as the court seeks to unravel the full extent of this multi-million shilling corruption scandal.
Former Governor Claims “Asian Billionaire” Sought to Poison Millions Through Reservoir
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has made explosive allegations claiming that individuals behind the attempted grab of Loresho Water Reservoir land have connections to international terror groups and harbored intentions to poison millions of Nairobians through the water supply.
In a social media post dated June 14, 2025, Sonko alleged that the mastermind behind the land grab maintains “a very strong network in Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabab” and that “his intention was and still remains to kill millions of Kenyans by poisoning the water in this reservoir.”
The land dispute
The controversy centers on a 4.9-acre parcel of land designated as Nairobi Block 90/229, which houses the Loresho Water Reservoir that supplies water to over five million Nairobi residents.
Recent court documents show this land has been the subject of multiple ownership disputes involving several high-profile figures.
According to reports, the dispute has drawn in current Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire in a complex web of competing claims.
The land, now valued at nearly Sh2 billion, has generated at least three different title deeds with various parties claiming ownership.
Recent legal victory
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) achieved a significant victory in June 2025 when the Environment and Land Court declared the subdivisions of the land null and void, stating that the property had been set aside for public utility use and earmarked for water infrastructure.
The court ruled that the land, reserved for a water reservoir and housing vital water infrastructure, was fraudulently acquired through “mere paper transactions”.
Sonko’s long-standing involvement
Sonko’s involvement in protecting the Loresho reservoir dates back to his tenure as Nairobi Senator.
In January 2019, he successfully led efforts to repossess the land after President Uhuru Kenyatta intervened.
At that time, Inspector General Joseph Boinnet ordered the arrest of anyone setting foot on the land and declared that police would not be used to protect “grabbers.”
The 2019 operation involved multiple agencies including the National Land Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The land was then placed under police guard and returned to the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.
Terror allegations
Sonko’s latest allegations about terror connections represent a significant escalation in rhetoric around the land dispute.
A screenshot of Mike Sonko’s X post alleging terror links.
His claims come with serious implications, particularly given Kenya’s ongoing security challenges with Al-Shabab and regional terror threats.
However, these allegations require careful scrutiny. Sonko himself has faced terrorism-related investigations.
In February 2021, Sonko was under probe for ‘financing terrorism and arming militia’ as part of investigations into his activities following his impeachment as Nairobi Governor.
The players in the dispute
The current legal battle involves multiple parties:
Ashok Rupshi Shah and Hitenkumar Raja: Courts have recognized their title as genuine, and they claim to have purchased the land legitimately in 2007 for Sh33 million.
Jacob Juma’s Estate: The late businessman’s widow, Miriam Juma, continues to challenge court decisions through appeals, represented by lawyer Nelson Havi.
Davis Nathan Chelogoi: The former Moi-era provincial administrator entered the dispute in 2022 with a separate title deed dated 2021. He faces six criminal counts related to the disputed land.
Governor Johnson Sakaja: Through his company Ayoti Ltd, he agreed to purchase the property from Chelogoi for over Sh900 million in April 2023, despite ongoing court disputes.
While Sonko references a “citizen weekly newspaper 9th-15th May 2025 edition,” our investigation found that the most recent major development was the EACC’s June 2025 court victory.
The Weekly Citizen newspaper has indeed covered the land recovery, focusing on the EACC’s success in reclaiming the grabbed land.
Sonko’s specific terror allegations against an “Asian billionaire tycoon” appear to reference earlier disputes involving businessman Shital Bhandari, though no verified evidence of terror connections has been presented publicly.
Current status
The EACC confirmed it has recovered public land worth over Sh400 million in Nairobi’s Loresho area, with the 4.9-acre parcel forming part of the Loresho Water Reservoir infrastructure.
Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir has expressed frustration with security agencies’ failure to fully implement eviction orders, stating that “rogue police officers” and judicial interference have complicated enforcement efforts.
Analysis
The Loresho reservoir dispute represents broader issues in Kenya’s land governance, including:
Fraudulent Documentation: Multiple parties producing title deeds for the same property
Political Interference: High-ranking officials’ involvement in land deals
Security of Public Utilities: The vulnerability of critical infrastructure to private interests
Institutional Coordination: Challenges between different government agencies
Key questions
Several critical questions remain unanswered:
What specific evidence supports Sonko’s terror allegations?
How did Governor Sakaja’s company attempt to purchase disputed land without due diligence?
What role did Governor Mbarire play in advocating for Chelogoi’s claims?
Why have security agencies struggled to implement court orders?
While the EACC’s recent legal victory represents progress in resolving the Loresho land dispute, Sonko’s explosive terror allegations add a new dimension that requires careful investigation by relevant security agencies.
The case highlights the complex intersection of land grabbing, political influence, and public utility security in Kenya.
The protection of Nairobi’s water infrastructure remains paramount, but allegations of this magnitude demand thorough investigation and evidence-based conclusions rather than speculation.
The public deserves transparency about both the land dispute’s resolution and the veracity of claims about threats to water security.
Disclaimer: These allegations by Mike Sonko require verification by appropriate security and investigative agencies. No independent evidence has been provided to substantiate claims of terror connections. All parties mentioned have the right to respond to these allegations.
Nairobi, Kenya – Sometimes the most extraordinary victories emerge from the deepest valleys of defeat. Sharon Atieno’s story is one such testament to the transformative power of resilience, second chances, and unwavering determination.
Today, Sharon Atieno stands as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya—a title earned not just through academic achievement, but through a journey that would have broken many others.
Her path from public humiliation to professional triumph serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt their dreams slipping away.
When dreams meet reality
In 2023, Sharon’s world came crashing down.
Despite her natural legal brilliance and proven ability to win cases, she was arrested and publicly branded a “fake lawyer” by the Law Society of Kenya.
The humiliation was complete, her reputation seemingly shattered.
For many, this would have been the end of the story—a cautionary tale about ambition exceeding credentials.
But Sharon’s story was just beginning.
Her innate legal talent hadn’t gone unnoticed. Even in her darkest hour, her brilliance shone through the controversy, catching the attention of Mike Sonko, the philanthropist and former Nairobi Governor known for seeing potential where others see only problems.
The power of believing in someone
What happened next changed everything. Where society saw a scandal, Sonko saw possibility. Where others saw failure, he saw a diamond waiting to be polished.
His decision to sponsor Sharon’s legal education wasn’t just an act of charity—it was an investment in human potential.
Mike Sonko celebrating with Sharon on her admission to the bar on Friday.
“Today, I stand proud and humbled that Sharon Atieno has officially graduated and been admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya,” Sonko shared triumphantly on May 23, 2025. His words carried the weight of vindication, not just for Sharon, but for everyone who believes in the power of second chances.
Rising above the storm
Sharon’s journey through law school was far from easy.
She carried the weight of public scrutiny, battled self-doubt, and navigated the competitive legal landscape during challenging times.
The legal profession itself had been grappling with issues of authenticity and mental health challenges, making her path even more daunting.
Yet with each obstacle, Sharon grew stronger.
Her perseverance became her greatest asset, transforming yesterday’s controversy into today’s credibility.
She didn’t just survive the storm—she learned to dance in the rain.
A testament to transformation
Sharon with MP Babu Owino who was also admitted to the bar on Friday.
Sharon’s admission to the bar represents more than personal achievement; it embodies the profound truth that our lowest moments can become the foundation for our greatest victories.
Her story challenges us to reconsider what we think we know about failure, redemption, and the incredible capacity of the human spirit to rise.
In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Sharon and Mike Sonko’s partnership reminds us that sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is not just financial support, but the belief that they can become more than their mistakes.
Gratitude in victory
Today, as Advocate Sharon Atieno begins her legal career, her gratitude runs as deep as her determination. “Thank you once again for your generosity and support Mike Sonko,” she shared. “I am truly humbled and grateful. May our good Lord in heaven continue blessing you abundantly beyond measure.”
Her words reflect not just personal appreciation, but recognition of a truth that transcends individual success: we rise highest when we lift each other up.
Sharon Atieno’s story is far from over—in many ways, it’s just beginning.
As she steps into her role as an Advocate of the High Court, she carries with her the hopes of everyone who has ever been counted out, written off, or told their dreams were impossible.
Her journey reminds us that setbacks are not permanent, that public opinion is not prophecy, and that with the right support and unshakeable determination, we can rewrite even the most discouraging narratives of our lives.
In Sharon Atieno, we see proof that sometimes our greatest victories come not in spite of our struggles, but because of them. Her story stands as an enduring reminder that it’s never too late to become who you were meant to be.
The young woman who was once humiliated is now an advocate for justice.
The dream that was nearly destroyed has become a reality that inspires thousands. And the helping hand extended by Mike Sonko has created ripples that will touch countless lives for years to come.
This is more than a success story—it’s a masterclass in resilience, a celebration of second chances, and a powerful reminder that our darkest chapters can become the prologue to our brightest victories.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has claimed that US President Donald Trump has lifted a travel ban imposed on him and his family three years ago over corruption allegations, according to a statement posted on his social media account.
“Thank you President Donald Trump for lifting my travel ban to the US. Details to follow. Those who implicated me are the ones who are most corrupt in this country,” Sonko wrote on social media, tagging the US president’s official account.
The controversial politician has not provided any official documentation or additional details to substantiate his claim.
Sonko claims the U.S. president Donald Trump has lifted his travel ban.
The US Embassy in Nairobi has not yet commented on the matter.
In March 2022, the United States government banned Sonko and his immediate family members from traveling to the US, citing “involvement in significant corruption” during his tenure as Nairobi’s governor.
At that time, US Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Eric Watnik announced that Sonko, his wife Primrose Mbuvi, daughters Saumu and Salma, and his underage son were all declared ineligible for entry into the US.
The designation also prohibited them from conducting business with the United States.
“The department has credible information that the former governor was involved in significant corruption when serving as governor of Nairobi. We determined that he received bribes in kickbacks in exchange for irregular awarding of contracts to his associates for personal gains,” Watnik stated when announcing the ban.
When the ban was first imposed, Sonko held a press conference at his Shanzu residence in Mombasa, where he expressed shock and insisted on his innocence.
“I am shocked and surprised. My wife and daughters have never applied or won any tenders while I was Nairobi governor,” Sonko said at the time, questioning why his family was included in the ban.
He also claimed political persecution: “I am being persecuted because I differed with the State over some issues. But I will exhaust all avenues of appeal and ensure I am cleared.”
At the time of the ban, Sonko was facing multiple corruption charges in Kenyan courts, including allegations that he received a kickback of Ksh 8.4 million from ROG Security Ltd.
The US government stated that the outcome of those trials would not impact their decision to ban him.
Sonko became the second high-profile Kenyan official to be publicly banned from traveling to the US during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, following former Attorney General Amos Wako who was banned in 2019.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has announced the adoption of Baby James, 3, a boy who tragically lost his father to a violent attack in Huruma’s Mathare Area 4A.
The deceased, identified only as Michael, was fatally stabbed in the stomach by suspected thugs with what is believed to have been a knife around 5:40 a.m. on Monday, January 20, as he was accompanying his son to school, leaving young James to witness the horrifying event.
The father was a construction worker and a single parent, leaving James orphaned.
Sonko took to social media to express his gratitude, stating, “I thank God for blessing me with another son.” He outlined his plans for James, ensuring the boy’s immediate needs are met by providing him with a stable home environment.
The former governor also extended his appreciation to several local officials and community workers who had been looking after James since the tragedy. He specifically thanked Mr. Victor Owiti, the Sub-County Children’s Officer for Mathare, Christine Dembah, the Senior Chief, as well as Agness Nganga, Sophia Akinyi from Shofco, and Margret Nzuki for their immediate response and care towards the child.
Understanding the trauma the young boy has endured, Sonko has committed to securing professional psychological help for James. “Since the kid is traumatised, I will engage the services of a professional therapist for his healing journey,” he noted. Additionally, he plans for James to continue his education, albeit at a different school of his choosing, aiming to provide a fresh start away from the painful memories.
Baby James, who was hosted by Sonko at his home, appeared traumatized as he kept saying, ‘Baba yangu alidungwa na kisu’ (my father was stabbed). Sonko gave him assurance and bought him gifts that will keep him engaged through his mental treatment.
Sonko’s gesture not only provides a glimmer of hope for Baby James but also highlights the community’s role in supporting its most vulnerable members during times of crisis. He concluded his statement with prayers for James’s comfort and protection, and for peace for the soul of the departed father.
This is not the first time Sonko has adopted a child.
In March 2014, he took in Baby Satrin Osinya and his brother, Gift, after their mother was fatally shot during a church attack in Mombasa.
At the time, Satrin had a bullet lodged in his skull, and his father could not afford the surgery.
Sonko facilitated the necessary treatment, and since then, Satrin and Gift, now teenagers, continue to live under his care.
Nairobi – In a recent statement on social media, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko expressed deep concern over the ongoing public discourse surrounding former NTV journalist Kimani Mbugua. Sonko criticized the way Mbugua’s personal struggles have been handled in the public eye, particularly on social media platforms.
Sonko highlighted his disappointment with the exchanges and accusations between media personality Oga Obinna and Mbugua’s father. “I’m very disappointed by the ongoing exchanges, accusations, and counter-accusations surrounding the situation involving former NTV journalist Kimani Mbugua,” he posted.
He specifically addressed the need for sensitivity towards Mbugua’s recovery process, warning that public exposure might lead to feelings of rejection and abandonment, possibly driving Mbugua towards harmful actions. “It is important for Kimani Mbugua’s father to recognize that his son is still in the process of recovery and should be treated with a lot of care,” Sonko advised.
Sonko also took issue with the decision to discuss Mbugua’s situation on Obinna’s live show, urging the media personality to use his platform more responsibly. “Discussing Kimani Mbugua on Obina’s live show was unnecessary, and I urge my good friend Obina to use his platform with greater responsibility,” he stated.
In response to the current situation, Sonko has promised to intervene directly. He plans to contact both Kimani’s father and Obinna to request they cease live discussions and sharing content about Mbugua. “In the meantime, I will reach out to both Kimani’s father and Obina to request that they stop further live discussions or sharing content related to Kimani Mbugua,” he announced.
Furthermore, Sonko has committed to ensuring that Mbugua returns to a rehabilitation center to continue his medical care. Addressing Mbugua’s mother and sister, he said, “Kimani Mbugua’s Mum and the sister, hebu tafadhalini nirengesheeni yeye. I will deal with his situation na atakuwa sawa,” promising to manage the situation and ensure Mbugua’s well-being.
Here are the corrected sentences:
During the show, Mbugua’s father revealed that his son was yet to fully heal and suggested that he should go through the full therapy that would extend for 12 months. He initially did only six months in his last session, sponsored by Sonko.
The father said he knew all wasn’t okay when he sent him a long text message asking him to stay away from him and that he had decided to cut ties with the family. He also shared photos of ashtrays at Mbugua’s house to reveal how deeply he was back into smoking.
This call from Sonko underscores a broader conversation about the ethical responsibilities of public figures and media personalities when dealing with individuals facing personal and health challenges.
A topic that he considers sacred and shies away from discussing, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko opened up during an interview with media personality Oga Obinna on how he faked his own death to escape from Shimo La Tewa prison.
Sonko explained that after learning about the death of his mother while still behind bars, he thought quickly and devised a way of escaping. Faking his own death came as the best strategy.
However, his cover was soon blown after being betrayed by friends who revealed he was not dead and even disclosed his hideout in Nairobi.
Sonko then planned an escape route and fled to Tanzania, where he stayed briefly before sneaking back into Kenya through Uganda.
He stayed shortly in Ugunja, a small town in Siaya County along the Kisumu-Busia route. Sonko revealed that his friend and then Ugenya MP Stephen Ondiek provided him with accommodation, and he remained in the quiet town in the company of a local lady who gave him the peace and necessary entertainment he needed.
Sonko grew tired of being on the run and eventually decided to surrender himself. However, even as he was planning to go to court, his friends once again betrayed him to the police, and he was rearrested.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has revealed how much he was getting paid in bribes from county revenue collection office during his tenure.
In an interview on a local podcast, the former Governor said he could get up to Sh80 million depending on the day’s collection going to show how deeply corruption is entrenched in the city’s administration.
Sonko said the bribe took him by shock as it came from his financial officers and was meant to buy his silence as they embarked on wanton looting. He said the trend rose his curiosity and he made the mistake of reporting this to Statehouse not knowing it would mark the beginning of his troubles as the governor.
“I used to get around Sh50 million and this used to come daily, it could even go up to Sh80 million depending on the day’s collection. I realized that the county was making a lot of money but much was getting lost to corruption so I went to report it to former President Uhuru my boss and he even called President Ruto (his deputy then) to get my story,”
“I only didn’t know I was going to dig my own grave. I had given them the clearest hint that Nairobi had money, and later Statehouse could come after me,”
Sonko says the county could make up to Sh300 million daily collections but only about Sh50 million would end up in the accounts with the rest getting looted.
following his meeting with the president, they planned to lay a trap to arrest the people behind the looting and he got wired by an intelligence operative he mentions as Mr. Mburu to get the perpetrators in action.
“They put wires on me to record all the guys when they bring the money. I recorded them the next day when they brought the money and it went on, they could bring at a times Sh50M, Sh60M even up to Sh80m and all was in cash,” He said.
Sonko then took the evidence back to Statehouse and after ascertaining, a decision was then made to digitize the revenue collection.
A trap was then laid to arrest the city hall officers behind the scheme and eventually they were caught in action by EACC and DCI officers. Sonko says he still has the video clips of the entire operation while claiming his innocence.
“I was trying to help fight corruption, I reported everything to the boss, how things turned around and my reputation tainted as the most corrupt leading to my impeachment I still don’t understand.” He said.
“But I was fixed with corruption cases and in which I’ve been vindicated and very soon Kenyans will know the truth as to how all this happened.” He added.
Sonko’s impeachment
Mr Sonko was elected as Governor of the Nairobi City County during the 2017 general elections for a term of five years.
On assumption of office, he served as Governor until December 17, 2020 when he was removed from office by way of impeachment.
Passing the resolution to remove him from office, the Senate found him guilty of plundering public resources, persistently intimidating and molesting officers of the County Executive Committee and unlawfully using public fund to pay for his daughter’s travel to New York, USA.
He was also found guilty of charges of persistently and wilfully using, publicizing and publishing abusive and unbecoming words and language as evidenced by his social media posts.
Further that he made numerous rants in which he hailed abuses and conducted himself in a manner that undermines and demeans the office of the Governor.
In a separate interview, Mr Sonko accused former President Uhuru of being behind his ouster. He said his removal from office and that of Kiambu governor Mr Ferdinand Waitutu was because they were not on good terms with the last regime.
“My impeachment and that of Waititu were politically instigated because we differed with former President Uhuru. The system introduced Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), and when I refused to sign for transfer of funds to NMS – because there was no law empowering us to do so – I was impeached,” Sonko said.
He also claimed that his impeachment did not meet the required threshold since the assembly lacked the number after he allegedly took 65 MCAs to Kwale on the voting day. Mr Sonko was impeached after 88 MCAs out of 122 voted in favour of his removal.
East African Court of Justice
Sonko is challenging his impeachment in the East African Court of Justice based in Arusha.
In July 2022, Sonko filed an application before the East African Court of Justice seeking to suspend implementation of the Supreme Court decision that upheld his impeachment.
He says the decision of the Supreme Court and courts of Kenya was arrived at in an unjust manner.
Its effect, Sonko said, is to curtail his political rights and the people he represents.
He said the Presiding Judge at the High court who rendered the decision was then currently facing a disciplinary tribunal over his removal as a result of receiving bribes and influencing the decision that resulted in his removal from office.
Sonko wants the EAC court to suspend the execution of the decision by the Apex court pending a hearing and determination of the application.
Part of the complaint before the tribunal, he says, is that Chitembwe was biased and mischievous in the manner in which he handled his impeachment case.
“The determination of the proceedings before the tribunal will have a bearing on the challenged judgment of the high court culminating in this appeal,” Sonko said.
Sonko says it’s only fair if the Supreme court judgement is reviewed or set aside and heard under the circumstance that the conduct of Chitembwe would be considered.
Currently, Johnson Sakaja is faced with similar corruption allegations pointing at a traditional trend. Evans Kidero, the initial city’s boss still battles corruption cases from his days in office to date.
Mike Sonko’s glory days are over, let’s start with that. In an afterthought move, Wiper Movement leader and presumed Ukambani leader Kalonzo Musyoka pulled Mike Sonko out of the court corridors to contest for Mombasa gubernatorial position in his sinister way to derail, blackmail and fight Azimio’s candidate Raila Odinga.
Sonko of today is not that of 2018 who wowed the Nairobian electorates and got more votes than any other candidate in the same position in the country.
At the time, many perceived him as incorruptible, a clean template politician who couldn’t touch a coin against the will and to the advantage of the wananchi and as wisemen said, give a man power, money and know his characters, Mike Sonko turned out to be the devil who was hiding in plain sight.
The embattled former Nairobi Governor has not only had to face serious fraud, corruption accusations still in court, he was also faced with terrorism charges that saw him being put under custody of the dreaded anti terror police unit.
At one point, Sonko had President Uhuru on speed dial, but they’d later break up as the president kept a safe distance from the ex-governor after intelligence sources singled him out as spiked and disastrous. Sonko would at one point launch personal attacks on the president eventually leading to his arrest and ouster. Sonko willingly gave up the functions of the county government to NMS after it became imminent that he was incompetent and not up to the task.
After he was eventually impeached by both the Nairobi County assembly and the Senate over corruption allegations, Sonko claimed that he was forced to transfer power under duress in Statehouse, sensationally saying that he was drunk while doing so. Investigations by both EACC, County Government and Senate found the ex-governor incompetent to hold public office.
Sonko and his puppet master Kalonzo.
Kalonzo Musyoka who has been subtly blackmailing Raila Odinga to appoint him as his running mate with the aim of taking over from him in 2027 as Mr Odinga wants to go for one term, decided to frustrate Odinga’s consolidation of his support base.
In Nairobi, Kalonzo against the Azimio’s MoU of having a Jubilee candidate for the governor and ODM for DG, fronted his own candidate a Prof Kaloki whom again he used to blackmail ODM by fronting him to deputize Jubilee’s Richard Ngatia.
After negotiations, leading contender Tim Wanyonyi of ODM stepped aside in favor of Polycarp Igathe the candidate that Jubilee fronted. Again, Kalonzo went ahead with his push and insisted a Kamba in this case Prof Kaloki was to deputize, he had his way.
In Mombasa, Kalonzo a supposed reformist has brought a ‘garbage’ to lead the county as the preferred Wiper candidate, Sonko who’s marred with all manner of scandals has been given a direct ticket by Wiper in a cunning move that has been read by many experts as yet another blackmail move by Mr Kalonzo staging a proxy war against Mr Odinga.
Mombasa is seen as an ODM stronghold with its candidate Abdulswamad Nassir seen to be a leading candidate according to latest opinion polls. Kalonzo is banking on the Kamba votes in Mombasa together with the Mijikenda’s Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo votes to spoil the broth for ODM and Raila.
In March, the US government sanctioned Mike Sonko banning him from visiting the U.S. together with his family due to his involvement in what they term as ‘significant corruption’.
According to Ned Price, the department’s spokesperson, the US has impeccable information that while in office, Governor Sonko solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding government contracts to his associates. “His actions undermined the rule of law and the public’s faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions and public processes.” The statement says.
He is alleged to have embezzled more than 300 million shillings partly through the irregular awarding of contracts to friends’ companies that are said to have wired money to his personal accounts after receiving their payments from Nairobi county.
He was also recently accused of recruiting and arming a militia, procuring military clothing associated with terrorist groups and financing terrorist activities.
Being a tourist destination for many international guests, many are asking us this the profile for a governor they want for their city? One who’s sanctioned and limited to travels abroad to bring in investors and other investments?
Why is Kalonzo using Mombasa as a dumping site for rejected leaders as Sonko? It can only mean one thing he thinks and wishes for Mombasa. Why didn’t Kalonzo front Sonko in any of the counties in Ukambani? The answer is open.
Sonko as I started, is a sober cartridge, his glory days are gone, the once unruly Sonko is no more, he’s been turned into a puppet of Kalonzo, turn left, Sonko turns left.
Former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko is in the race to become the next governor of Mombasa County after he was handed a direct ticket by Wiper Democratic Movement.
Sonko had initially hinted at reclaiming his Nairobi seat which he lost through impeachment on December 3 2020 before he recently shifted his political base to Mombasa.
He will face off with ODM’s Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and UDA’s Hassan Omar to take over from governor Hassan Joho whose term expires in August.
But the embattled Sonko is swimming in controversies and facing many corruption cases in court. In early March 2022, US authorities banned him and his immediate family members from travelling to the US over corruption scandals related to bribery and abuse of office.
Is that the man who is good for Mombasa, port city which is also a tourism destination and foreign exchanger earner for Kenya?
Already two people have filed a petition seeking to bar Sonko from being cleared by Independent and Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) to contest for the Mombasa top seat.
Ndoro Kaguya and George Odhiambo filed the petition before the Mombasa High Court seeking conservatory orders stopping IEBC from clearing Sonko to run in Mombasa.
Sonko whose choice to contest the Mombasa seat reignites the debate on exclusive upcountry vote also boasts that he had many options to reclaim the Nairobi seat before settling for Mombasa.
Deputy President Dr. William RUTO had approached him to run for the Nairobi top seat on an UDA ticket but he opted for the Wiper ticket in Mombasa due to his close ties, and respect for the party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Sonko said that Kalonzo told him to go for the Mombasa seat because Nairobi has many interests and Azimio bosses had already drawn their plan for the capital.
Mike Sonko (L) and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (p/courtesy)
But Sonko’s entry into Mombasa race has opened a new war front with governor Joho. His quest has rattled the governor’s camp and forced them back to the drawing board to scheme for a counter strategy.
Joho who doubles as ODM deputy party leader fears that Sonko’s unexpected move is likely to affect not only the governor position, but all other elective seats which have been under the grip of ODM since 2013.
Sonko and Wiper are complicating Joho’s succession plan which was headed for smooth sailing after Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal was instructed by ODM leader Raila Odinga to step aside in favour of Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir.
The outgoing Mombasa governor has been dismissive of the other governor contenders including UDA’s Hassan Omar whom he said could not garner more that 5,000 votes but not Sonko.
Sonko is different, he enjoys grassroots support among common voters across the board which has potential to change the narrative ahead of August polls but the focus should remain on his tainted image.
Is he fit to be the next governor of Mombasa, the second largest city and economic in Kenya?
The controversial politician is a self confessed convict who escaped jail. In fact ODM leaders have criticized Wiper party and Kalonzo for going against anticorruption norms to clear Sonko to contest for Mombasa governor despite having been impeached and facing a series of criminal cases in court.
Kenya Insights can authoritatively report that Joho is also reaching out to “deep state” operatives to tame the former Nairobi governor by bringing up his criminal cases to keep him busy in the courts.
Other than criminal cases, Sonko demonstrated his wanting incompetency in Nairobi forcing him to transfer key functions of Health, Transport, Public Works and Auxilliary services to Major General Mohamad Badi led Nairobi Metropolitan Services.
Everything possible should done to protect the people of Mombasa from electing popular politicians who have no understanding of their job descriptions and capacity to carry out their mandate. Sonko is not the man.
Wiper Democratic Movment handed Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko a direct nomination ticket to vie for the Mombasa County governorship in the August General Election.
Sonko was handed the ticket by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in a small ceremony held in Nairobi almost two weeks after the Musyoka-led party cleared Sonko and submitted his name to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
After his entry into the Mombasa race race, the controversial politician was expected to face off with Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo in nominations but Kalonzo managed to broker a deal that will have Mbogo deputize Sonko.
TThe move now sets stage for Sonko to battle it out against Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir (ODM) and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar (UDA) who are both eyeing the top seat in the port city.
Sonko-Mbogo ticket is considerebly strong since Mbogo comes from the Mijikenda community which is the largest in the ccoastal region. He is also the sitting in MP in Kisauni which is th most populous constituency in Mombasa County.
Wiper Leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka [p/courtesy]The battle to succceed outgoing governor Hassan Joho has seen many aspirants scrambling for Mijikenda community vote which is distributed across the six sub-counties ahead of the August polls.
Sonko who has had a stint as the resideent of Mombasa began by endearing himself to the community by meeting its elders.
According to 2017 IEBC register, Mombasa County has a total of 580,223 registered voters with slightly over 50% of these voters coming from the Mijikenda community concentrated especially in Kisauni and Likoni sub counties and sections of Mvita.
Experts argue that the Mijikenda factor despit the poverty levels still remains crucial for anyone seeking to be the next governor and like any previous races; Kenyan-Arab aspirants will also have to scramble for Mijikenda running mates.
Even ODM’s Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir who will fly the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) flag and considered a descendant of the Arab Swahili, a community regarded as wealthy with urban influence is most likey to choose a Mijikendda as his running matte to win the vote.
Both Sonko and Abdulswamad are in Azimio La Umoja coalition and one would have expected Kalonzo to shelve his party’s interests in a plac considered ODM stronghold but he is hellbent to play a spoiler card.
He is not campaigning for the Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga but fielding candidates in regions where vote splitting may disadvantage ODM and favor UDA candidate.
Kalonzo believes that pairing with Mijikenda gives him enough guts to take on ODM in Mombasa. Both Kalonzo and Sonko are from the Kamba community whi boasts of good numericcal figures in Mombasa.
The Kamba community is the second largest vote bloc in Mombasa county. They had initially expressed their will to throw their weight behind businessman Suleiman Shahbal who later ditched Wiper for ODM after alledging that Joho gave them a raw deal.
They claim that the incumbent who was elected on an ODM ticket has neglected them for close to a decade by ignoring their kins in county xecutive jobs.
But Kalonzo’s meddling and interferance in ODM strongholds has also been witnessed in Nairobi.
The former VP had intially reached a deal to have Wiper’s Prof. Philip Kaloki deputize Jubilee aspirant Richard Ngatia. This was despite Ngatia being tainted with looting scandals, fake degree papers and ODM having the favorite to ascend to City’s top sat in Westlands MP Tim Wanyaonyi.
Azimio has since settled to have Jubilee’s Polycarp Igathe go for the governor deputized by ODM’s Tim Wanyonyi and Wiperman Philip Kaloki has been promised the County Assembly speaker position.
A High Court judge who has featured in a series of videos published by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is now facing another petition seeking to oust him from office.
Justice Said Chitembwe is now facing a second petition after Francis Wambua lodged a case before the Judicial Service Commission seeking for his removal as a judge.
Wambua claims that the Judge has involved himself in various acts of gross judicial misconduct by discussing the merits of a matter pending in court, which was pending before him with third parties.
He says the Judge lacks integrity to continue holding office and further that he has breached the Constitutional provisions on integrity, the Judicial Service Code of Conduct and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.
Wambua claims that the judge has been using his alleged brother Amana Saidi Jirani as a proxy and agent, to allegedly receive bribes on his behalf.
He adds that Judge Chitembwe lacks impartiality, by allowing himself to be influenced in the performance of the duties of his judicial office.
Wambua argues that fraudulent and corrupt dealings by the learned judge is to be inferred from the surrounding circumstances of the matter.
It is his claims that the Judge demonstrated open bias, malice and ineptitude against former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
Wambua further allege that he has evidence of telephone conversation between the Judge and an advocate wherein the said Judge confirms that he was approached by lawyer Miller and Guyo regarding two petitions.
He alleges that the advocates wanted the Judge to rule against Sonko in High Court Constitutional Petition No. E425 of 2020 and Nairobi High Court Constitutional Petition No. E005 of 2021.
“The said learned Judge had a land transaction to which the Ex-Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko was involved and it had a monetary implication and the said learned Judge made unrealistic demands regarding the shares to be paid in condemnation of purchase of the land which Sonko rejected and he opted to revenge by maliciously instigating the dismissal of the aforesaid petitions”, he adds.
According to him, based on the above the Petitioner contends that Justice Chitembwe had ceased to be independent and impartial within the meaning of Article 160 (1) of the Constitution which gives judicial independence to the judiciary.
The Petitioner contends that the contents in the conversations between the Presiding Judge and a third-party touches on the merits of Nairobi High Court Constitutional Petition No. E425 of 2020 and Nairobi High Court Constitutional Petition No. E005 of 2021 that was heard and determined by the Bench.
“It is evident that Cecil Miller was acting at the behest of the Nairobi City County Assembly members and County Executive Members in a desperate and deliberate bid to have his illegal legal fees paid and by so doing he engaged Amana Saidi Jirani who is the nominee and relative of Honourable Justice Juma Saidi Chitembwe”, he alleges.
The demons of City Hall didn’t disappear even with the transfer of critical functions to the General Badi’s led NMS. The City’s control center which is synonymous with scandals continues to make the familiar headlines even with Nairobi Deputy Governor Ann Kananu who took from the corrupt Mike Sonko being in control.
The DG is currently fighting numerous cases that has risked her getting arrested.
She was recently summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations KRA Unit investigating a case involving the failure to remit income tax, withholding tax and PAYE contrary to Section 97 of the Tax Procedure Act.
Kananu moved to court to block her pending arrest over failure by county to remit Sh2.1bn tax arrears to KRA.
In the same week, court of appeal dealt a blow to Sonko who’s challenging the legality of Kananu occupying the office. Court ruled that Sonko having stayed out of office for over 10 months, he was no longer a Governor. This paved way for the swearing in of Kananu as the governor.
However, the celebrations was short lived as Sonko moved to the Supreme Court and stopped the swearing in.
Now, analysts believe that there’s a grand scheme by powerful forces to reinstate Sonko as the governor.
A network of powerful cartels in the corridors of justice is said to be frantically pushing for the return of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko. In the scheme are judges, lawyers and politicians. This happens amidst fierce escalation of supremacy war between the executive and some individuals within the judiciary perceived to be bitter with Uhuru Kenyatta and who have consequently opted to team up with William Ruto, who pulls strings behind the scenes.
The mafias believed to have fully infiltrated the judiciary ostensibly played a major role in latest court drama that saw Sonko secure orders from the Supreme Court barring the swearing-in of acting governor Anne Kananu. There are predictions that Sonko is likely to be sneaked back to his former seat through a ruling that is coming in November in which he wants the appellate court to overturn the High Court decision and declare that he was illegally impeached.
Understandably, the idea to block Kananu’s swearing-in which came as a shocker was a result of high level consultation among the cartels, aware that Sonko stood no chance of getting back his job in the event that the deputy governor was sworn in as governor.
Failure to stop the swearing-in meant that even if Sonko was to get a favourable ruling in November, the verdict would have nothing to do with Kananu’s job. Sonko will then be governor and Kananu deputy. Constitutionally, a governor once sworn in office can only be removed through impeachment, death or through resignation. It is also against this background that the deep state and Kananu were upbeat of conducting an early morning swearing-in ceremony but which was rudely blocked.
To demonstrate how powerful individuals within the judiciary are the ones directing actions in Sonko’s case, the former governor was not moved by a decision to dismiss his appeal but instead casually went on his Facebook and confidently told his supporters to keep calm and wait for November when a petition challenging his removal will be heard in the Court. The orders barring the swearing-in of Kananu were issued by Supreme Court’s Justice Mohammed Ibrahim who certified Sonko’s application as urgent.
It is imperative to note that Ibrahim has close links with lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi who is a staunch ally of the deputy president. Also said to be part of the wider game plan to bring back Sonko is the Deputy Chief Justice and vice president of the Supreme Court Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu. Mwilu is bitter following the deep state’s power games that locked her out of the position of the Chief Justice currently held by Martha Koome. Apparently, the deputy chief justice feels that she is being frustrated and targeted by the state following her unending misfortunes as far as her professional life is concerned.
City Hall.
In her compounding tribulations, the office of the DPP is on record stating that it is confident of winning the graft and abuse of office case against the troubled DCJ. The DPP’s office has threatened to release the dossier which would seemingly secure Mwilu’s conviction. Shockingly, the Judicial Service Commission led by Chief Justice Koome cited that it had evidence on how the DCJ allegedly transacted over Sh20 million at the Supreme Court parking lot, her office building and her Kilimani home .
In a more dramatic development, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga is the last to join the fray by telling judges to go on strike over the government’s failure to obey court orders. Mutunga’s appointment was linked to Ahamednassir then JSC member. The remarks did not go down well with Uhuru and CJ Koome who could not fathom how Mutunga was inciting judges to down their tools, given he served as the country’s CJ who should be aware of the fact that implications of calling for a judicial strike are far-reaching.
And as was widely expected, the Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi joined the war by defending Mutunga. According to Havi, the CJ should not have responded to Mutunga because it is common sense that judges cannot go on strike. Havi in his usual manner attacked Koome stating that ‘she lacks emotional intelligence and she needed not to respond to retired CJ’s call for judges to go on strike.
Back to city hall and Kananu’s tribulations.
Senate Devolution Committee chairman Moses Kajwang on Wednesday reprimanded Kananu for ignoring requests to go and explain reasons for paying Sh795 million to law firms out of the county’s allocation of Sh2.5 billion meant for clearance of pending bills.
Kananu had been invited to respond to a statement by nominated Senator Millicent Omanga who alleged the county was spending a huge chunk of its budget on legal fees.
She claimed in the statement that City Hall paid a total of Sh795.9 million out of the county allocation of Sh2.5 billion meant for the clearance of all pending bills in the financial year 2018-19.
Omanga also wants to know whether there was documentary evidence availed by the law firms to support the payments made by City Hall.
She also wants a progress investigation report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on investigation on the legal fees paid to lawyers for services by Nairobi county government during 2018-19.
In the past and for long, Imaginary court cases has costing Nairobians millions of shillings and this has been revealed in past audit reports.
Before Governor Evans Kidero took over in 2013, City Hall had outstanding legal claims amounting to Sh1.21 billion.
As at September 30, 2014, City Hall had sunk Sh133 million in court cases. Between June 30 and July 1, 2013, the county government spent Sh232 million on court cases.
Questioning humongous payments to lawyers, then AG Ouko said: “No evidence was provided to indicate the nature of the court cases. It is also not clear how so many legal cases arose within a year of the county assembly’s existence. It is also not clear how they were concluded.”
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into multi-million shilling dealings between 25 law firms and the Nairobi County government.
The probe is focused on payment of legal fees by City Hall to the firms between 2013 and 2020.
The EACC, in a letter dated January 21, wants the county secretary to furnish it with the specific case files handled by the 25 law firms between 2013 and 2020, including letters of instructions and contract agreements.
“The commission is undertaking investigations at Nairobi City County in respect of payments of legal fees to the following firms. To facilitate our investigations, kindly but urgently furnish us with the original documents in respect to the mentioned firms,” states the letter.
The law firms
The firms include Irungu Kang’ata and Co. Advocates, Osundwa and Co. Advocates, Kwanga Mboya and Co. Advocates, Kithi and Co. Advocates, Wanjiku Maina and Co. Advocates, E.Onyango and Co. Advocates, J.O Magolo and Co. Advocates, Ario Advocates, Maskam ( Asanyo), E.N Omoti and Co. Advocates and Ogeto Ottachi and Co. Advocates.
The EACC further asked to be furnished with all payment vouchers, cheque counterfoil and a list of pre-qualified law firms for the period under investigation.
This is in addition to minutes approving the list of pre-qualified law firms and any other documents relevant to the probe.
MCAs’ complaints
The probe comes a few months after Nairobi MCAs raised concerns over the payment of large amounts of money to some law firms yet the county has not won any court cases recently.
The ward representatives also made allegations of favouritism by City Hall in the clearance of lawyers’ bills instead of small scale suppliers owed less money.
City Hall paid legal fees to the tune of Sh795.9 million out of the Sh2.5 billion allocated for clearance of all pending bills, locking out other suppliers and contractors.
As a result, MCAs, through a motion by Silvia Museiya (nominated), called on the county executive to come up with a policy to streamline outsourcing of legal services.
The legislators alleged that the outsourcing has turned into a business, with some lawyers colluding with officers in the executive, including those in the office of the county attorney, to siphon money from the county.
They claimed an unnamed law firm was paid Sh250 million despite not carrying out any legal transaction with the county government.
Audit report
Painting a grim picture of the state in the legal department at City Hall, the Auditor-General’s report for the 2016/2017 financial year revealed the department spent Sh592.4 million on unauthorised payments.
According to the report, the department spent Sh645.3 million on legal costs against an approved budget of Sh105 million.
Interestingly, the bulk of the money, Sh314.4 million, was paid to some 12 firms. The payment was not included in the Integrated Financial Management Information System (Ifmis).
In February 2019, the assembly’s Public Accounts Committee found that the legal department spent Sh480 million, more than four times the Sh100 million budgeted for.
The payments were made without documentary evidence, including a total of Sh318.4 million which was sent to several lawyers.
In the 2018/2019 financial year, a total of Sh795.9 million was paid to 48 law firms yet only eight raised fee notes.
During that financial year, 335 cases were handled by the legal department but only 12 of them were successful. The rest were either withdrawn or lost.
City Hall Capture By Cartels
When President Uhuru Kenyatta established the Nairobi Metropolitan Services in March last year, he tasked Major General Mohamed Badi and his team with dismantling cartels in Nairobi County and ending corruption.
The President had been alarmed by runaway corruption at City Hall, that had made service delivery impossible.
He said the cartels had a vice-like grip on the county government services, from garbage collection to parking, water supply and issuance of permits.
At the time, Governor Mike Sonko was facing a Sh357 million corruption charge, which eventually saw him barred from accessing his City Hall office.
Several corruption-related investigation cases had also been opened by different investigative agencies, ranging from multi-million garbage tender awards to the multi-billion stadiums construction saga.
However, after a short lull following the impeachment of Mr Sonko in December last year, with transition of power from Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura to Deputy Governor Ann Kananu, the cartels are back, this time bolder and more ferocious.
Payments to lawyers, utilisation of Covid-19 funds, AAR-City Hall staff medical scheme and Covid-19 relief programme are just but some of the brewing scandals that could yet again sink the city county back to its old ways.
Nairobi County Assembly Minority Chief Whip Peter Imwatok, who appeared to be at the forefront of the transition at City Hall, even at times directing Ms Kananu during press briefings, has in the past weeks turned into a whistleblower, lifting the lid on the happenings at City Hall.
The first was in a letter dated April 27, 2021, where the Makongeni MCA wrote to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate “suspicious and skewed” payments to 13 law firms by the Ms Kananu-led administration.
In the letter, Mr Imwatok alleges that more than Sh410 million was irregularly paid to the law firms with no information on the cases handled.
The second-term county legislator claimed the payments were made between February 9 and March 30, 2021.
Nairobi acting Governor Anne Kananu.
In January, the EACC had written to City Hall about investigation of 25 law firms over an alleged payment of Sh500 million-worth of legal fees to the law firms with the anti-graft agency following specific case files handled by the law firms between 2013 and 2020, including details of the cases, letters of instructions and contract agreements.
“It has come to our attention that even before the investigations with regards to this matter commenced, if ever they did, the Nairobi City County proceeded to pay the lawyers monies amounting to over Sh410 million,” read in part the letter.
But before all that could settle, another bombshell was dropped. Mr Imwatok wrote to the EACC and the DPP, asking them to investigate a payment of Sh275 million to suppliers.
He claimed that some seven companies, acting as “proxies to MCAs or members of county staff” undertook works or supplies in the Environment Department and/or supplied food as part of the Nairobi County Covid-19 feeding programme.
The ODM representative claimed that the county government had lined up the companies for payment for the services yet there is “no food that was ever supplied to the county or distributed to anyone”.
“It is absurd that taxpayer’s money amounting to Sh275 million shall be paid to companies belonging to MCAs or their proxies for either services and/or goods that were never supplied,” said Mr Imwatok in a letter dated April 26.
The Sh84 million feeding programme was to benefit 127,500 most vulnerable people in Nairobi’s informal settlements with foodstuff such as maize and wheat flour, sugar, rice, loaves of bread and powdered milk. Other items include blankets, sanitary towels and basins distributed to cushion them against the negative effects of the pandemic.
The programme was to run for three months between April and June 2021, with distribution done every week across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties.
According to documents, the seven companies were given contracts worth between Sh3 million and Sh22 million to supply the items.
Procurement process
However, most MCAs have said their wards are yet to get any supplies, while those who were fortunate to receive the items said the package was not more than 50 bags.
“I not only have the contract but the invoice, the payment transaction, the CR12 of the companies and I have forwarded all to EACC. I am questioning the procurement process and I have evidence of procurement officers saying the processes were done without their consent,” said Mr Imwatok.
Then there is the controversial Sh1.7 billion AAR Insurance Kenya medical contract for City Hall staff, which has also been thrust in the spotlight.
Some MCAs have called for investigations into the deal, alleging that it has been turned into a cash cow by certain county officers, instead of benefiting the employees.
Waithaka MCA Antony Kiragu last month called on EACC and DCI to investigate the deal, claiming some county officials have been making money from the AAR-City Hall deal, with payments being staggered by the county government to give the individuals a platform to do business with the funds.
“The reason the payments are being done in phases is that people want to do business with AAR money. The officers want kickback from AAR,” charged Mr Kiragu.
Mr Kiragu’s assertions came hot on the heels of an announcement by Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Guyo that he will bring a motion to form an ad-hoc committee to look into the AAR-City Hall medical scheme.
The Matopeni MCA said the committee’s brief will be to investigate how AAR was awarded the tender, what services they are providing to staff and whether there is value for money.
But that is not all. Maj-Gen Badi and Ms Kananu were also summoned by Senate to respond to “cross-cutting issues” involving the NMS and City Hall over the expenditure of Covid-19 funds.
The summons came after a damning report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu on the utilisation of Covid-19 funds by counties, which fingered NMS for a number of irregularities involving Sh294.38 million received from the national government in June 2020.
Some of the irregularities involved single-sourcing of a Sh64.9 million tender for design and maintenance of a makeshift isolation centre, irregular cash withdrawal of Sh32 million from a KCB account for facilitation of health workers and Sh120 million payment to frontline health workers without a budget.
The auditor could also not establish the whereabouts of some Sh182.07 million donated by the Danish International Development Agency and the county’s own contribution to boosting the war against Covid-19.
Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Guyo.
Mr Imwatok claim that cartels are back at City Hall in full swing, taking advantage of the vulnerability of Ms Kananu “who is seemingly out of touch with the reality of being an acting governor”.
“The county is opaque and nobody is in charge. It is everyone for him or herself,” he said.
A nasty falling out between Jubilee and Orange MCAs had been brewing following the revelations, with Mr Imwatok under siege as some ward representatives from his own party began collecting signatures to oust him as Minority Whip.
He was accused of using the party’s name in bad light at the county government to advance his selfish interests, allegations, which he denied.
“I will not be cowed from exposing corruption at the county government. Let the masters of corruption be prepared to face me to death. I am ready for the challenge as this is not the first time I am facing such threats,” he said.
The power tussle was seen Jubilee MCAs instigate the removal of Public Accounts Committee chairperson Wilfred Odalo of ODM, with 15 MCAs — three from ODM and 12 from Jubilee — appending their signatures.
But in retaliation, the Raila Odinga-led party withdrew its membership of the watchdog committee, citing intimidation and coercion of members into signing the removal of Mr Odalo as the chairperson.
The three MCAs who supported the removal of Mr Odalo — Jared Okode, Clarence Munga and Lawrence Otieno — were also withdrawn from the committees they serve in.
However, Mr Guyo hit back, saying the committee was to continue operating as long as it has a quorum.
He added that a chairperson of any committee serves at the pleasure of members and once that confidence is lost, the chair cannot force themselves on the members.
“It is not Jubilee’s business if they (ODM) decided to pull out. The chair has been accused of gross misconduct, which will taint the image of the assembly. The members have the right to choose their chair, who will still be from opposition,” said the Matopeni MCA.
Kenya Insights has documented well the city hall cartels and their nodes of operations. Guyo is the supremo and is the self proclaimed governor and speaker of the county government.
One wonders why and how this is possible given that Kananu and Badi are in position of control. As a woman we’re told she’s scared of Guyo and follows her commands, you can remember she was also fingered with Guyo in a Covid19 supply scandal. As for Badi, the two are bound by religion ties which has made them get along well giving Guyo to go about his deals with Badi looking the other way conveniently.
Despite the county drowning in debts and getting dragged in courts, Kananu under siege of cartels has been approving misuse of funds. Kenya Insights is informed that MCAs are flying out of the country on a weekly basis for unwarranted international trips costing taxpayers hundreds of millions.
In a bizarre move, we’re informed of a trip earlier this year where the budget committee traveled to Turkey to hold a board meeting there on how to plan the budget and pay pending bills. We’re adequately informed that the weekly trips of committee members mostly to Dubai cost Sh1M for each member. This is the new way of stealing and scheme of Guyo and cartels to buy loyalties of the MCAs who’re not willing to lose the privileges and will support any duty paper tabled in the assembly.
EACC should investigate this fraud scheme.
In the subsequent article, we will expound how an elaborate scheme to take over Nairobi by the cartels for the final eating after NMS term expires has been drawn. The plan that includes returning embattled Jacob Ngwele who by the way is billing city hall for his frivolous court cases and how his case in the court of appeal that is being handled by a former city hall staff now with judge Warsame is being mishandled and the judge swallowed in the scam. We expound on how the current acting clerk is related to the disgraced clerk Ngwele and generally the spirited effort behind bringing Ngwele back as championed by Guyo.
The silence from NMS is by design, we’re informed that a senior NMS official has his mouth shut given that he bought a petrol station franchise that is on a rapid expansion across the country and linked to land grabbing. We shall tell you more when the papers are right.
Kananu we’re informed is scared of getting impeached hence the soft hands on the cartels, unknown to her, she’s being fattened, handed scandals as she watches naively, and just like in Sonko’s she’ll be thrown under the bus and live in courts very soon.
”Ann Kananu is sonko but in a woman form.” Concluded a City Hall source speaking to Kenya Insights.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has narrated to the court how he tried to recover Kamkunji Secondary school playground from a private developer.
Testifying before Environment and Land Court Justice Oguttu Mboya, the former Nairobi boss said the land, which belongs to Kamukunji Secondary school was illegally leased to Inter-counties Importers and Exporters ltd.
Sonko told the court that he was approached by the school management when he was Senator of Nairobi County that the play ground had been grabbed by intercounties importers and exporters limited and children did not have space to play.
Sonko told the court that the school was established in 1989 as a community school and allocated two parcels of land, with one parcel set aside for classrooms and the other for playground.
And although the property belongs to the school, he said the defunct Nairobi city council failed to issue the school with an allotment letter, so as to facilitate issuance of a title deed.Documents tabled in court showed that the land was leased to the company in 1997, yet it belonged to the school.
The former city boss said the company started excavations on the land in 2012 and the school sought his assistance in 2014, seeking the revocation of the lease.
The former city governor said he followed up the matter and was informed that the land was a public land held in trust by the council for public use. He said he was informed that the land was not subject to alienation or transfer.
He added that a search with the lands offices revealed that the developer was illegally allocated the land to the detriment of the school.
He said he took action and wrote to the ministry of land, Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission and ministry of education which was under Prof Jacob Kaimenyi seeking revocation of the title held by the private company over the suit property.
“I wrote a letter to the then Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero on 18 July 2013, who promised to pursue the matter and revoke the lease,” he added.
The Governor consequently in 2014 filed a suit in the High Court together with city county seeking the revocation of the title issued to intercounties importers and exporters ltd so that the play ground could revert back to the school and declare the developer as trespasser.
He told the court that he didn’t intervene when he became Nairobi Governor since there was an active case going on in court.
Former Nairobi governor further told the Environment and land court that Nairobi County government promised severally to rectify the anomaly and illegality but to no success which provoked the case to be filed in court.
Sonko added that despite demand to cease the trespass of the suit property and notice of intention to sue in default having been issued to Inter-Countries Importers and exporters ltd, the company refused, neglected and failed to stop trespassing of the suit property.
As 2022 general elections draw closer, aspirants continue to announce their candidatures from left, right and centre to capture the Nairobi top seat that fell vacant after Governor Mike Sonko was impeached in December.
The latest entrant in the Nairobi race is Isaac Njuguna who is establishing a campaign secretariat to win the seat that has attracted a number of politicians including former Starehe Mp Bishop Margaret Wanjiru who enjoys the backing of DP William Ruto and Sonko.
Njuguna was Sonko’s strategists and financiers during the 2017 elections where he spent millions of shillings in Sonko campaigns as he was also the brains behind Sonko Rescue Team that penetrated Nairobi’s informal settlements to hunt votes for the former governor.
The little known kingmaker began setting his political machinery and resources in motion the moment Sonko was impeached and a by-election declared. He initially intended to run on the Roots Party of Kenya as his party but details remain scanty if he will still use the said party.
Roots party belongs to lawyer George Wajackoyah who unsuccessfully vied for presidency in 2017.
Isaac Chege Njuguna receiving nomination certificate from Roots Party of Kenya leader Prof George Wajackoyah [p/courtesy]The alumni of University of Nairobi, Strathmore University and City University in London is a businessman who showed interest in the by-election where Jubilee Party had cleared the former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru and Agnes Kagure to battle for party ticket before the courts halted everything.
Njuguna wants to capture the youthful vote bloc as he pushes to bring the social change the city residents are yearning for but his recycled opponents have failed to achieve.
The little known politician was enjoined in a case filed by Activist Okiya Omtata at the Nairobi High Court against the Nairobi county government over the suspension of the by-elections for Nairobi county after Sonko was impeached.
Third Party Alliance of Kenya, Law Society of Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission Habib Omar Kongo, Patrick Mwangi Kiiru, Josphat Kariuki, Angela Mwikali, Muiruri Waweru, and Geofrey Makworo were also enjoined in the case.
The respondents in the suit includes Sonko, Nairobi deputy governor Ann Kananu Mwenda, Nairobi county assembly, the speaker, Clerk Nairobi county assembly, the Attorney General, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Government Printer, the senate, Katiba Institute, former deputy governor Polycarp Igathe, Jubilee Party and Nairobi county executive and Njuguna himself.
But with the chances dashing on a possible by-elections due to the pending suit, all eyes are now set on 2022 when the country will general elections to elect new leaders.
Governor and his co-accused faced 19 charges of corruption, abuse of office and irregular payments that saw the county lose Sh357 million.
Count 1: Sonko, alongside Fredrick Odhiambo alias Fred Oyugi T/A Yiro Enterprises, Web Tribe Limited, Danson Muchemi Njunji, Robert Muriithi Muna, Zablon Onyango Ochomo, ROG Security Limited and Antony Otieno Ombok alias Jamal are accused of conspiring to embezzle Sh24.1m between July 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019.
Count 2: The governor is accused of conflict of interest. Sonko is accused of knowingly receiving Sh1 million from Web Tribe Limited, the parent company of JamboPay, through ROG Security Limited. The money is said to have been received on or about January 19 through Equity Bank Limited, Nyali branch.
Count 3: The governor is accused of knowingly receiving another Sh1 million from Web Tribe through ROG, through Equity Bank, Kenyatta Avenue branch.
Count 4: Sonko is accused of knowingly receiving Sh1 million from Web Tribe through ROG on January 19, through Equity Bank’s Gigiri branch.
Count 5: The county boss is accused of knowingly receiving Sh1 million from Fredrick Odhiambo alias Fred Oyugi of Yiro Enterprises through ROG on December 27, 2018. The cash was received through Equity Bank’s Four Ways branch. According to the charge sheet, the county hired unspecified “heavy equipment” from Yiro.
Count 6: The county boss is accused of receiving Sh1 million from Yiro through ROG on December 27, 2018. The cash was deposited into his account at Equity’s Nyali branch.
Count 7: Sonko is accused of knowingly receiving Sh1 million from Mr Odhiambo through ROG on December 28, 2018. The prosecution says the cash was received through Equity Bank’s Kwale branch.
Count 8: Sonko is accused of receiving Sh1 million from Yiro through Equity’s Nyali branch on December 28, 2018. The alleged irregular payments were a facility by ROG.
Count 9: The governor allegedly received Sh1 million from Mr Odhiambo through ROG on December 27, 2018. The money was deposited into his account at Equity’s Kenyatta Avenue branch.
Count 10: Sonko is accused of unlawfully receiving Sh400,000 from Mr Odhiambo on December 28, 2018 through Equity’s Kenyatta Avenue branch. The payments were facilitated by ROG.
Count 11: The governor is accused of pocketing Sh1 million from Mr Odhiambo and Yiro through ROG on December 28, 2018. The illegal payments were done through Equity’s Kenyatta Avenue branch.
Count 12: Sonko is accused of receiving Sh8.4 million in proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 4 of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money laundering Act. He is accused of receiving the cash from Mr Odhiambo between December 27 and 28, 2018 at Equity Bank.
Count 13: The governor is accused of receiving proceeds of crime – Sh3 million – from Web Tribe – on or about January 19 at Equity Bank.
Sonko denied all these charges and secured his release after paying a cash bail of Sh15 million. The High Court in Nairobi had granted him a Sh15 million cash bail or an alternative bond of Sh30 million with a surety of a similar amount. Court also barred Sonko from accessing his office and commenting on the case on social media as were the directorates of public prosecutions and criminal investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. And being that he had no Deputy, the Magistrate ruled that if need be, he can be escorted by the investigating officer or any other authorised officer.
Recalling back on 8th Nov, 2017 when President Uhuru Kenyatta in his Harambee House chaired a meeting aimed at ‘Regeneration of Nairobi.’
President Uhuru Kenyatta charing a meeting aimed at Regeneration of Nairobi County. 8/11/2017. Photo|PSCU
“The programme is between the national government and the County Government of Nairobi, and will cost billions of shillings, focuses on key economic and social sectors. It is expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of Nairobi residents.” Said PSCU on a statement . The Nairobi team was led by Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, former Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe and the then nominee for County Secretary Peter Kariuki.
The meeting agreed that in the next four weeks all relevant state departments and city county departments realign their procurement plans to ensure relevant allocations are available for the implementation of the programme and what turned out to be 2 years for the implementation to come to pass evidently at a time when the Governor is facing Corruption charges, barred from office and facing impeachment motion in the County assembly. Your assumption is as good as mine. If he had no graft cases, he would have not handed over and he would have had a deputy Governor by now. The deep state power ready to save him from his ouster by advising him to do the handing over.
Moving on — Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala co-chaired the technical committee of the special task force on Nairobi. “The programme focuses on Housing and Settlement, Infrastructure and Transport, Energy, Water Resources, Environment and Solid Waste, Youth, Women and Persons with Disability. Other sectors are Land, Information and Communication Technology.” PSCU on a statement. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretaries Henry Rotich (Treasury), James Macharia (Transport and Infrastructure), Eugene Wamalwa (Water and Irrigation), Cleopa Mailu (Health) and Jacob Kaimenyi (Lands, Housing and Urban Development) among others.
Governor Mike Sonko (right) and CS Eugene Wamalwa (left) signing the transition documents in presence of President Uhuru Kenyatta(standing left) and Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka(standing right) at State House. 25/2/2020. Photo|PSCU.
Yesterday Tuesday 25 Feb, 2020 In a historic but not a surprise to me, land mark agreement signed at State House where Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa in concurrence with H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta, signed an agreement, officially handing over functions of the Nairobi County Government to the National Government, pursuant to Article 187 of the Constitution.
The signing of the agreement was also witnessed by the Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Kenneth Lusaka and the Attorney General Paul Kihara.
The National Government therefore, will take over the following functions of the Nairobi County Government:
i)County Health services
ii)County Transport services
iii) County Public Works, Utilities and Ancillary services
iv)County Government Planning and Development
“This will ensure Nairobi residents receive services efficiently. The move comes as a breakthrough in the running of county services that had ground to a halt.” State House spokesperson Kanze Dena-Mararo.
A move that has been gazetted.
Take a look at J.B Kenya™ (@JohnBosco_Juma): https://twitter.com/JohnBosco_Juma?s=09
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has responded to a netizen who seeked their response on why the past criminal record of embattled Nairobi governor Mike Sonko was expunged.
According to a pic of the DCI’s Good Conduct certificate issued to Mike Sonko in 2017, the City boss has a clean criminal record despite him being a former convict and allegedly a prison escapee.
Here is The DCI’s response.
Greetings @patricksafari. It is good to note that if an applicant had cases and he/she was acquitted by a court of law, that criminal record is EXPUNGED from the criminal database. Howbeit, if convicted of the same, the record is kept for 20 years before it is expunged unless… https://t.co/2ES3GGqAfZ
…of whether they were convicted, acquitted, dismissed, discharged or have cases pending in court. Despite that, the offence(s) convicted under or cases pending before court are indicated in the remarks column of the Police Clearance Certificate.
