DPP Haji Says Sonko Move to Pick Anne Kananu as Deputy Governor is Null and Void

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has reacted to Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s decision to fill the position of Deputy Governor.

Sonko nominated Anne Kananu Mwenda, who is Nairobi County’s current Disaster Management and Coordination Sector Chief Officer, to the position on Monday. 

In a letter to Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi, Governor Sonko said the decision to nominate Ms. Mwenda to the position was informed by the need to fill the leadership gap left after the court barred him from accessing his office until the corruption case against him is heard and determined.

“…the complexity in Nairobi became more intricate following my arraignment in court December 2019, and the subsequent bail terms that, among other things, require me, as Governor, to stay out of the office until the determination of the matter,” read the letter.

“I therefore humbly urge the Assembly to expedite the vetting process of the said nominee, for purposes of appointment, as per the provisions of the County Government Act…” the letter added.

Sonko said the move was in line with the advisory of the Supreme Court regarding the nomination of a deputy governor.  However, DPP Haji described Sonko’s decision as null and void, stating that it violates his bail terms.

“It is unacceptable. We are going to court on Wednesday or Thursday. We will seek court orders to review his bail terms. He cannot purport to make the nomination until his case is heard and determined as per the High Court ruling,” said Haji.

Sonko, who is charged with over 10 counts of corruption-related charges over the alleged loss of county funds amounting to KSh357 million, was in December last year barred from accessing his office until his trial concludes.