Nairobi Governor Sonko falls sick in prison, rushed to hospital

NAIROBI, Kenya - Authorities in Kenya's Kamiti Maximum Prison on Monday night were forced to rush embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to hospital.

Sonko was arrested on Friday over alleged money laundering, corruption, and fraud. He spent the entire weekend in police cells.

His defense team on Monday failed to secure an instant bail at an anti-corruption court. Their request to have the governor released for medical check-up also backfired.

“Due to the urgency of the medical treatment of the accused (Mike Sonko), though disputed, it is ordered that his admission to hospital will be certified by the prisons medical center in the presence of his physician in order for him to be escorted to any other hospital for his medical attention as soon as that can be arranged,” ruled Magistrate Douglas Ogoti.

But his stay at Kamiti Maximum Prison on Monday night was short-lived after he fell ill, forcing the government to take him to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the country's biggest health facility.

While it's not clear what Sonko is suffering from, a close aide told Garowe Online that "he has been under medication due to chest pains".

At the KNH, Sonko is under surveillance from police officers, who are not ready to take a risk which includes possible attacks from the governor's rowdy followers.

When he was arraigned on Monday, authorities were forced to block several roads leading to the city center, a strategy meant to keep his supporters at bay.

But despite the vigil, rowdy youths blocked a section of the city, demanding for immediate release "of our leader who is being fought by cartels".

Investigators claim the county government made questionable payments amounting to $3 million since 2017, with recipients wiring some money to the governor's account.

However, over the weekend, Sonko said, "I am ready to tackle their lies and propaganda. I will demonstrate that these are political propaganda."

Known for his violence and intimidation towards his critics, Sonko is being represented in court by 12 lawyers, with two Senators being part of the team.

The court will rule on his bail application on Wednesday, December 11, a day before the country celebrates Jamuhuri Day, an anniversary for Kenya's republic.

Worryingly, Sonko might be barred from accessing his office, a move that would create a crisis given that he's operating without a deputy.

His deputy Polycarp Igathe, resigned last year. The governor is yet to make a new appointment. The speaker of the Nairobi assembly can only act for 90 days.

Sonko's predicament comes at the time President Uhuru Kenyatta is keen to succeed in the fight against corruption. He warned recently that he won't meddle in such cases.

“Corrupt individuals should not be identified by their communities or religion. Let everyone carry their own cross,” he said over the weekend.

GAROWE ONLINE