This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been released from remand at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison after an anti-corruption court in Nairobi ordered his release on Wednesday.
According to court documents, Sonko is required to attend a hearing on January 15, 2019, to face corruption charges related to irregular procurement and payment of over Sh357 million in January 2019.
On December 12, 2019, the court granted Sonko a bond of Sh30 million with a surety of a similar amount or Sh15 million cash bail, after he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As per the court order, Sonko was directed to pay a cash bail of Sh15 million, which was paid by his representative, Kioko Mike Mbuvi, into the court.
Following his release, Sonko was barred from accessing his office, meaning he will not be permitted to execute his functions as the governor.
Magistrate Douglas Ogoti directed that should there be a need for Sonko to access the county offices, he should be escorted by investigating officers.
The governor was also ordered to refrain from commenting on the case on social media and to deposit his passport and other travel documents in court.
