This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
On Monday, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko nominated Ann Kananu Mwenda as his deputy, a move that has sparked a strongly worded statement from the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji.
According to Haji, Sonko's appointment of Mwenda is null and void, as it violates his bail terms. In an interview with The Star newspaper, Haji stated,
"The court was clear on what Sonko cannot do. To purport to have power to name a deputy while his case is still on is a violation of the bail terms given to him. We will move to court,"
Haji told The Star.
On December 11, 2019, Anti Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti released Sonko under tough bail conditions, which included a ban on accessing his office unless accompanied by an investigation officer.
However, Sonko's lawyers have interpreted the order as a decision that only locks him out of his office but doesn’t prevent him from executing his duties as a governor. The DPP has a different interpretation, as he believes the court order prevents the governor from making any decisions.
