Mike Sonko airlifted to Nairobi
What you need to know:
- Sonko expected to appear before anti-corruption court to face charges over loss of Sh357 million.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been airlifted to Nairobi following his arrest in Voi, coming just hours after orders were issued by DPP Noordin Haji.
Scene at Ikanga airstrip just before Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was airlifted to Nairobi. PHOTO | LUCY MKANYIKA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The flamboyant governor, who recently posted on social media pages videos of his swanky office and house parties, was arrested at Ndara roadblock while heading to Mombasa from Nairobi in a bid to escape arrest.
A video has emerged online depicting the drama that ensued at Ikanga Airstrip as police attempted to airlift the besieged governor.
In the two-minute clip, Mr Sonko is seen resisting arrest as he engages officers in heated verbal exchanges.
He is seen resisting boarding a plane to Wilson Airport, Nairobi, and at some point, he pushes and shoves the more than five officers.
He is later overpowered and forced into the aircraft.
A police helicopter takes off to Nairobi from Ikanga airstrip with Governor Mike Sonko. PHOTO | LUCY MKANYIKA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The chopper ferrying Mr Sonko touched down at Nairobi's Wilson Airport at around 2.30 pm.
The governor was taken to the headquarters of the anti-graft agency under tight security.
Mr Sonko shortly after he arrived at the Wilson Airport. PHOTO | ANITA CHEPKPOECH | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya’s public prosecutor had Friday morning ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment of the county boss for alleged corruption.
The city county boss and others are expected to appear before the anti-corruption court Friday to face charges over the loss of Sh357 million.
Police block Jakaya Kikwete Road near Integrity Centre where Mike Sonko is being frilled by anti-graft officers. PHOTO | ANITA CHEPKPOECH | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Other City Hall officials expected in court are county secretary Peter Mbugua and members of the tender committee, Patrick Mwangangi, Samuel Ndung'u, Edwin Kariuki, Lawrence Mwangi, and Preston Miriti, among others.
The DPP also ordered the arrest of directors of various companies that he said had been contracted by the county government for various services and are liable for money laundering to a tune of Sh24.1 million.
Police outside Integrity Centre where Mike Sonko is being frilled by anti-graft officers. PHOTO | ANITA CHEPKPOECH | NATION MEDIA GROUP
They include Webtribe Ltd CEO Danson Muchemi, director Robert Muriithi and agent Zablon Onyango. ROG Security Ltd director Anthony Ombok is also implicated along with Yiro Enterprise partner Fredrick Odhiambo.
The governor and the officials will face charges of conspiracy to commit an economic crime, willful failure to comply with the law and conflict of interest.
Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji said investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had yielded sufficient evidence to sustain the charges.
