This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
Mike Sonko Freed on Sh15m Cash Bail ¶
On December 9, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was granted Sh15 million cash bail or Sh30 million bond by Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti.
Magistrate Ogoti considered all charges, losses made, nature of offences, and amount involved in each of the accused persons before making his ruling.
He noted that pre-trial detention might be necessary for public order purposes if it was demonstrated that the accused was likely to cause unrest.
However, the magistrate stated that he would not consider issues of health in the ruling.
Mike Sonko has been charged with money laundering and unlawful acquisition of public property at City Hall amounting to Sh357 million.
He is also accused of irregularly awarding tenders to his close aides, forging documents, and misappropriating county funds.
Despite the charges, Sonko denied all allegations on Monday.
The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution had opposed Sonko's release on bail.
