This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
On December 9, 2019, Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko Mbuvi and 11 others, along with several business entities, appeared before a court in Nairobi charged with multiple counts of corruption.
The charges relate to the irregular payment of Sh. 357.3 million, with all defendants denying the allegations.
Prosecution, led by James Kihara, opposed Sonko's release on bail, citing concerns that he posed a flight risk, might abscond court, intimidate witnesses, and interfere with investigations.
The prosecution also sought three orders: barring Sonko and other public officers from accessing their offices pending the case's hearing and determination, prohibiting the accused from contacting or intimidating witnesses and investigators, and requiring them to deposit their passports with the court.
Earlier that day, police had tightened security at the Milimani Law Courts due to intelligence suggesting that Sonko's supporters were planning to disrupt the proceedings.
However, Sonko had sent a message to his supporters, urging them to remain calm and stay away from the courts or any activities that might threaten the peace.
He emphasized that he was a law-abiding citizen and asked his supporters to allow law enforcement agencies to do their work, letting the law take its course.
He also appealed to his supporters, including his detractors, to refrain from interfering with the situation, stating that the peace and stability of Nairobi were more important than anything else.
