Gov Sonko denies graft charges

Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko pleaded not guilty to corruption charges at the Milimani law courts Monday morning.

He was charged before Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti.

State prosecutors said it wants Sonko denied bail due to his previous convictions, noting that they considered him a flight risk.

• Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko taken to Milimani law courts Monday morning.
• Lawyers representing Sonko include Cecil Miller, Senators Kipchumba Murkomen and Mutula Kilonzo Junior, George Kithi, Daniel Maanzo, Nelson Havi, Alphonse Mutinda and Harrison Kinyanjui.
• He is also expected to answer to assault charges in Voi.
• Over 150 police officers have been deployed in Voi town to ward off any planned protests.

He has two previous convictions and a warrant of arrest issued by a Mombasa court.

Embakasi East legislator Babu Owino, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot were among the MPs in court.

Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko is at the Milimani Law Courts early Monday where he is expected to face graft related charges after he spent three nights in a cell. He was moved from Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) offices after 7 am in handcuffs and taken to Upper Hill area amid tight security.

Lawyers representing Sonko include Cecil Miller, Senators Kipchumba Murkomen and Mutula Kilonzo Junior, George Kithi, Daniel Maanzo, Nelson Havi, Alphonse Mutinda and Harrison Kinyanjui.