This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Published on December 9, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's corruption case took a dramatic turn as the prosecution heavily relied on his troubled past to argue against his bail or bond.
The prosecution cited a case in which Sonko escaped from Shimo La Tewa Maximum prison in Mombasa over a decade ago, portraying him as a dangerous person.
Prosecutors handling his case also revealed that Sonko has a pending criminal case in Mombasa, which has stalled due to his refusal to present himself.
A warrant of arrest has since been issued by a Magistrate's court in Mombasa, further strengthening the prosecution's case against Sonko.
The prosecution argued that if Sonko is released on bail, he is likely to abscond or interfere with witnesses, citing his history of intimidating junior officers and employees of Nairobi County Government.
They accused Sonko of using his position to stop his staff from recording statements in the ongoing investigations, which would jeopardize the probe if he is released.
The prosecution also claimed that Sonko has threatened Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers during the course of investigations, further tightening the noose on him.
