This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has been released on a Ksh30 million bond, but his freedom comes with conditions.
On December 11, 2019, Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti granted Sonko bail, but ordered him to stay away from his office unless escorted.
The magistrate also directed Sonko to prevent his supporters from disrupting peace, warning that any such actions could lead to the cancellation of his bail.
Sonko and 16 co-accused were released on cash bail ranging from Ksh3 million to Ksh10 million. They were also ordered to deposit their passports to the court.
On Monday, Sonko was charged with corruption-related offenses alongside eight other suspects. They denied all charges before Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti and applied for bail.
The prosecution opposed Sonko's bail application, citing concerns that he would interfere with ongoing investigations by intimidating junior officers at the County government offices.
The prosecution argued that Sonko had previously threatened Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission investigators and releasing him would jeopardize their work.
Prosecutors also pointed out that Sonko had tried to evade arrest after the Director of Public Prosecution Nordin Hajji issued summons.
Additionally, the prosecution highlighted that Sonko had previously jumped bail in 1996 and 1998 and had a pending criminal case in Mombasa County.
