This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko will spend two more nights in police custody after the Milimani Law Court set his bail ruling for Wednesday.
The court's decision came after the prosecution, led by Gitonga Riungu and James Kihara, opposed Sonko's release on bail, citing concerns that he may interfere with investigations and intimidate witnesses.
Prosecutors claimed that Sonko had a history of escaping prison and that he was likely to flee if released on bail.
Sonko and eight other Nairobi County Government officials are facing charges related to the irregular procurement and payment of Sh357 million.
The charges include conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, failure to comply with procurement laws, conflict of interest, abuse of office, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Sonko's lawyers argued that he was assaulted during his arrest and was experiencing chest pains, which required medical attention.
They also disputed claims surrounding Sonko's past convictions, pointing out that a High Court ruling had quashed the sentences and prison term.
‘This was a man who was going about his own business. Sonko is a man of means if he wanted to flee he could have. You can’t run away using a public highway,’ Cecil Miller, part of Sonko's legal team, said.
