Governor Sonko to Spend Two More Nights in Remand

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will spend two more nights in remand after he pleaded not guilty to more than 10 corruption-related charges on Monday.

Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti directed that the accused is detained until Wednesday, December 11th when a ruling on his bail application will be read. Sonko and his co-accused will be held at Industrial Area Remand Prison.

On Monday, State prosecutor James Kihara opposed the release of Sonko on bail arguing that he is a flight risk, and is likely to abscond court, intimidate witnesses as well as interfere with investigations. 

The prosecution also pleaded with the court to bar Sonko and other public officers in the case from accessing their offices pending hearing and determination of the matter. They also sought orders to have the accused persons deposit their passports with the court.

Sonko, who was charged together with 11 others, is accused of benefitting from irregular procurement that led to the loss of county funds amounting to more than Sh357 million. Sonko and his co-accused denied all the charges.

The charges leveled against Sonko include conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, failure to comply with procurement laws, conflict of interest, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of public property, deceiving principal, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime.

Sonko spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s holding cell following his arrest in Voi, Taita Taveta County. His defense team urged the court to release him on bond or bail.