This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
Published on December 12, 2019, Nairobi City County is facing a leadership crisis after Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko was barred from accessing his office following corruption charges.
Anti-corruption Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti slapped the governor with tough conditions after releasing him on a cash bail of Sh15 million.
With no deputy governor to act in Sonko's absence, the situation may ground some operations that require the governor's input.
Magistrate Ogoti ordered that Sonko be barred from accessing his office, with the exception of being escorted by the investigating officer to collect his belongings.
He also prohibited Sonko from interfering with witnesses, inciting his supporters to demonstrate, or commenting on the corruption case on social media.
The ruling was based on High Court decisions that barred Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal from holding office after being charged with corruption offences.
However, unlike in the cases of Kiambu and Samburu counties, the situation in Nairobi is different due to the absence of a deputy governor.
Polycarp Igathe resigned as deputy governor in January last year, and Sonko has yet to name his replacement.
Sonko was charged with 19 counts in two separate files, alleging that he conspired with rogue businessmen and senior county government officials to embezzle over Sh381 million from county funds.
The case will be mentioned on January 15, next year, to fix a hearing date.
