This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
Kenya: Governor Sonko's Drivers Face Charges for Blocking President Kenyatta's Motorcade ¶
On August 29, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta's motorcade was obstructed by two drivers attached to Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko along Mombasa Road in Nairobi.
The drivers, Antony Wangamba and Joseph Njue, were driving vehicles without the required identification plates and were subsequently arrested and charged with obstructing the presidential motorcade.
According to court documents, the incident occurred as President Kenyatta's motorcade made its way to State House from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after the President's return from the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad) in Japan.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Martha Nanzushi of the Nairobi Traffic Court, both drivers denied the charges and were released on bail.
Mr. Wangamba was released on a bond of Sh50,000, while Mr. Njue was freed after parting with Sh100,000.
The hearing of their cases has been set for separate dates in November.
Mr. Sonko is currently facing numerous woes, including accusations of unprocedurally issuing garbage collection tenders and tax evasion claims, which have led to his decision to name a deputy in case he is required to step aside as the boss at City Hall.
