Nairobi court dismisses money laundering count against Mike Sonko, orders defence on tender charges

Nairobi court dismisses money laundering count against Mike Sonko, orders defence on tender charges

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A Nairobi court acquitted former governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko of money laundering after finding the prosecution’s evidence fell short. The ruling said the trial should continue on separate tender-related allegations.

A Nairobi court has acquitted former governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko of money laundering charges, ruling that the prosecution failed to meet the required legal standard of proof.
In a decision delivered on Thursday, the court found that the evidence presented was insufficient to link Sonko to the alleged laundering of proceeds of crime.
“The prosecution has not established a prima facie case on the charge of money laundering,” the trial magistrate ruled, effectively clearing the former county boss on that count.
However, the case is not over. The court held that Sonko still has a case to answer regarding separate allegations related to the award of tenders during his tenure at City Hall. The magistrate said the evidence on record, if left unchallenged, could support a conviction on those charges.
“There is sufficient material before this court requiring the accused to be placed on his defence regarding the remaining charges,” the court stated.
The prosecution has alleged that officials within the Nairobi City County Government manipulated procurement processes to favour selected entities, resulting in the irregular awarding of contracts and potentially leading to the loss of public funds. The charges are part of a broader anti-corruption investigation that has been ongoing for years.
Sonko, who was arrested in 2019 and later impeached in 2020, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting the case against him is politically motivated.

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