This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's life took a dramatic turn in 1993 when he attempted to join the Kenya Police Service at the age of 18.
At the time, Sonko was supervising the construction of his 14-bedroomed house in Mombasa, but he left his site to try his luck at the police recruitment in Kwale grounds.
According to Sonko, he finished first in the 150-meter race, but was disqualified for running like a thief, not a police officer.
Disappointed, Sonko returned to his Mercedes Benz, where three curious cops followed him to ask about his expensive car.
He gave them some petty cash, and later met the same cops at his local pub, where they told him he had qualified and was supposed to report to Kiganjo police training college.
However, his friends in the police force discouraged him from pursuing a career in the service, saying he was already wealthy and didn't need to become a police officer.
As it turned out, God had better plans for Sonko, and he went on to become one of the wealthiest politicians in the country.
