This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
Governor Mike Sonko of Nairobi was expected to appear in court on December 18, 2019, to answer charges of assaulting a police officer. However, he failed to show up, citing illness as the reason.
According to Citizen Digital, Sonko's lawyers, Cecil Miller, Salim Mwadumbo, Jared Magolo, and George Kithi, informed the court that their client was unwell and unable to attend.
Chief Magistrate Frederick Mayaka Nyakundi was told that Sonko was at home receiving medical treatment, as ordered by his doctor.
The case has been adjourned to January 21, 2020.
Magistrate Nyakundi also instructed the lawyers to ensure that Sonko appears at the DCI offices in Voi before appearing in court.
Sonko was expected to answer three charges, including refusing to be arrested and causing chaos when he was arrested.
He was also accused of resisting arrest and assaulting police officers when he was arrested in Voi on December 6.
It is alleged that he injured Coast Regional Police Commander Rashid Yakub by hitting him with a vehicle and injuring other police officers.
On December 7, the day after his arrest, the National Police Service spokesperson Charles Owino said that Sonko had lost his temper and acted against the law.
"When he was arrested, he became violent, and using force, he refused to be arrested and obstructed police from carrying out their duties," Owino said.
