Governor Sonko Freed on Sh30 Million Bond, Barred from Accessing Office

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who has been in police custody for five days, was on Wednesday released on a cash bail of Sh15 million or an alternative bond of Sh30 million with a surety of a similar amount.

While granting bail to Governor Sonko, Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti noted that bond can only be denied if it is proved that the accused person is likely to interfere with witnesses.

The magistrate further barred Governor Sonko from accessing his office until the case is heard and determined. Magistrate Ogoti said the accused should be escorted by investigating officers if there is a need to access the offices.

Sonko was also ordered to refrain from commenting on the case on social media or in public as well as deposit his passports and other travel documents in court.

Sonko, who is accused of misappropriating county funds amounting to Sh357 million, was on Monday charged with over 10 counts related to corruption. Sonko and his 15 co-accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The case will be mentioned on January 15th, 2020.