This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
On Tuesday, detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrived at Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's Upperhill office with a team of police officers, only to find hundreds of his supporters inside the compound.
According to eyewitnesses, the detectives used their vehicles as ladders to scale the gate, but their attempt to conduct a valuation of the property was met with resistance from Sonko's supporters.
It is alleged that Sonko had been informed of the impromptu visit and had taken precautions to prevent the detectives from carrying out their mission.
The EACC had been investigating Sonko over allegations of acquiring a piece of land worth Ksh 500m from Kenya Railways pensioners at a significantly undervalued price of Ksh 144.6m.
It is claimed that Sonko agreed to pay the remaining balance within 90 days after the final transfer, but the EACC is also investigating the source of Sonko's money.
As the standoff continued for three hours, the detectives were forced to leave the premises without achieving their objective.
On April 1, 2020, Sonko acquired the property from the pensioners, sparking controversy over the deal.
