Stylish Nairobi Governor Sonko released on $150,000 cash bail, barred from accessing office

NAIROBI, Kenya - Controversial Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko becomes the latest high profile Kenyan to fall to stringent court measures in the fight against corruption.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has tightened the rope in the fight against corruption, vowing that "when you steal, it's you alone. You carry your own cross."

At an anti-corruption court on Wednesday, Sonko was admitted to $150,000 cash bail, which he ought to deposit in a bank before his release.

Douglas Ogoti, the Chief Magistrate bin the case, said: "Am of the considered opinion that all the accused are released on bail and bail terms. Each term must have adhered to the latter. Any violation will lead to cancellation of bail terms."

Sonko, 44, who was arrested on Friday and incarcerated until Wednesday (today), was given the court reprieve with several other officials.

The accused are fighting money laundering charges, corruption and irregular procurement amounting to $3 million.

"The accused person number one (Sonko), is hereby admitted to the bond of $300,000 (Ksh30 million) and surety of one, or a cash bail of $150,000 (Ksh15 million)," the court ruled.

But despite the reprieve, Sonko will now have to fight the harsh reality following the decision by the court to label his office "crime scene" thus denying him access.

And the tough ruling means he cannot transact businesses as the county boss, until his case is heard and determined, technically causing a leadership crisis.

For 23 months now, Sonko is operating without a deputy despite the law permitting him to pick one. His former deputy Polycarp Igathe resigned in 2018 January, citing "frustrations".

He now joins his colleagues Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu) and Moses Kasaine (Samburu) who were also barred from accessing their offices over graft.

On Monday, Sonko was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for treatment after falling sick at Kamiti Maximum Prison.

Although he has denied the allegations, Sonko might now be forced to pick a deputy, who will be vetted by the assembly before taking over.

Known for his lavish lifestyle, Sonko was first elected as MP for Makadara constituency in Nairobi in 2010. He joined Senate in 2013 before winning a gubernatorial seat in 2017.

In recent weeks, the governor has also been facing allegations of allegedly running from prison 18 years ago, where he had been convicted of fraud.

While Sonko is a close confidant of President Uhuru Kenyatta, he may now walk his own path a lonely man. Uhuru recently said, " I have switched off the phone for friends facing corruption".

His predicaments could take a little bit longer given that anti-corruption cases in Kenya take years before acquittals and convictions are done.

The US through ambassador Kyle McCarter has recently promised to support Kenya in the fight against corruption.

GAROWE ONLINE