Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will stand trial to defend himself against corruption charges brought against him three years ago. The Milimani Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Charles Ondieki, ruled that the charges framed by the state were valid, dismissing claims that they were defective. The prosecution’s presentation of a prima facie case means there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations, though Sonko and his co-accused can still challenge it with their own evidence.
Details of the Allegations
The corruption charges stem from claims that Sonko, during his tenure as Nairobi Governor, demanded a Ksh.10 million bribe from Web Tribe Limited through ROG Security Limited. The alleged bribe was purportedly meant to facilitate payments owed to Web Tribe by the Nairobi City County Government.
Sonko’s Defense Strategy
Sonko has indicated plans to call witnesses, including officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to support his defense during the trial.
Legal History and Developments
The case has seen multiple legal twists since its inception:
- 2022 Acquittal: In 2022, then-Milimani Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti acquitted Sonko, citing a defective charge sheet presented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
- 2024 Appeal and Reinstatement: The DPP appealed the decision, and in December 2024, Justice Nixon Sifuna reinstated the case. Justice Sifuna ruled that the acquittal was based on the original charge sheet rather than an amended one. He ordered a retrial under a new magistrate and directed the court to determine whether there was a case to answer based on the amended charges and evidence.
Magistrate Ondieki’s Ruling
Magistrate Ondieki ruled that the charges against Sonko, ROG Security Limited, and co-accused Anthony Ombok were not ambiguous and did not cause undue embarrassment or injustice to the accused. However, he dismissed two counts of conspiracy to commit corruption, describing them as “duplex”—unclear or overly broad.
The remaining charges—including money laundering, abuse of office, and conflict of interest—were found to have sufficient supporting evidence, requiring the accused to present their defense.
Next Steps in the Trial
The trial is set to commence on May 18, 2025, and will proceed on a day-to-day basis for two weeks. Magistrate Ondieki has emphasized that no adjournments will be permitted, signaling a swift progression of the proceedings.
Implications for Kenya’s Fight Against Corruption
Sonko’s trial underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to address corruption at the highest levels. With charges ranging from bribery to abuse of office, the case is expected to serve as a litmus test for the judicial system’s ability to handle high-profile corruption cases transparently and effectively.
Stay tuned for updates as the trial unfolds and its implications for governance and accountability in Kenya become clearer.
