Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko granted Sh15m bail
Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko (right) consults his lawyers at Milimani anti-corruption court when he pleaded not guilty to corruption charges on Monday. [George Njunge, Standard]
Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti granted Mike Sonko a Sh15 million cash bail or an alternative bond of Sh30 million with a surety of a similar amount.
Sonko has been barred for accessing his office and commenting on the case on social media. This is as the judge ruled that it was not within his court’s power to rule on Nairobi County lacking a deputy governor, throwing uncertainty on how county business will be conducted.
“If need be, he can be escorted to his office by the investigating officer or any other authorised officer,” Chief Magistrate Ogoti ruled.
The anti-corruption judge further directed that he and his co-accused deposit their passports and travel documents with the court.
At the office, Sonko will only be allowed to pick his belongings.
The anti-corruption judge further directed that he and his co-accused deposit their passports and travel documents with the court.
“In any case, the director of immigration will ensure that none of the accused leaves the jurisdiction of the court without the permission of the court,” Ogoti said while setting out the bail terms.
The anti-corruption judge further directed that he and his co-accused deposit their passports and travel documents with the court.
“In any case, the director of immigration will ensure that none of the accused leaves the jurisdiction of the court without the permission of the court,” Ogoti said while setting out the bail terms.
The flamboyant county chief was arrested early Friday, December 6 after the greenlight of prosecutor Noordin Haji there is enough evidence to charge him.
On Monday, Sonko and his co-accused denied the corruption charges.
His bail application, which the prosecution opposed, was to be heard at 2.30pm on Monday but Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti pushed it to today meaning Sonko would spend two days in custody.
On that Monday night, Sonko reportedly fell ill and was driven from Kamiti Prison to Kenyatta National Hospital where he was admitted for medical treatment.
On Tuesday and today morning, Sonko ally EALA MP Simon Mbugua and the governor’s aide Peter Mugo were questioned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for allegedly planning to use youth to cause chaos during Sonko’s bail application ruling today.
Sonko’s defence team comprises Cecil Miller, Nelson Havi, Alphonse Mutinda, George Kithi, Michael Osundwa and Harrison Kinyanjui.
Others are Leader of Majority in the Senate Kipchumba Murkomen, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo junior and Makueni MP Dan Maanzo.
The case will be mentioned on January 15.
This article was published by the STANDARD on December 11, 2019