This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and his co-accused will have to spend two more nights in police custody as the court sets a ruling date for their bail application.
On Monday, Sonko and his co-accused, comprising county officers and directors of companies, pleaded not guilty to multiple corruption and economic crimes charges before Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
The prosecution team, led by Gitonga Riungu and James Kihara, objected Sonko's release on bail, citing his 1998 conviction for failing to appear before a Mombasa court three times in his previous cases.
Prosecutors also referred to an incident in which Sonko allegedly escaped from lawful custody after going to Coast General Hospital for treatment, but Sonko's defence team rebutted, calling the claim malicious.
On Sunday, President Uhuru Kenyatta said no leader would use their position to escape prosecution, adding that leaders found guilty of corruption should carry their own cross.
Meanwhile, the Council of Governors (CoG) has asked for a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta following Sonko's arrest, citing the uniqueness of the County Government.
