Court Delivers Mixed Ruling in Mike Sonko’s Money Laundering Case
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has received partial relief after a Nairobi court cleared him of money laundering charges, in a ruling that brings a significant twist to his long-running legal battles.
The court determined that the prosecution did not present enough convincing evidence to directly connect Sonko to the alleged money laundering activities.
After reviewing all the submissions and arguments from both sides, the magistrate concluded that the case on that specific charge could not stand.
“I have carefully considered the submissions filed by both the prosecution and the defense. After reviewing the available evidence, I find that the charge of money laundering is not sufficiently proven, and I therefore acquit on that count,” the court ruled.
However, while this decision marks a legal win for the former governor, it does not bring his troubles to an end. The court made it clear that Sonko still has a case to answer regarding allegations linked to irregular tender processes during his time in office at City Hall.
According to the ruling, the prosecution presented material suggesting that the tendering process for certain county contracts may have been manipulated.
These alleged irregularities are said to have resulted in the misuse and loss of public funds. The case in question revolves around a 2018 contract involving the leasing of heavy machinery valued at Ksh14 million during Sonko’s tenure as governor.
As a result, the court directed that Sonko must now defend himself against these remaining charges. The case will proceed to the next stage, where he will be required to respond to the accusations and present his side of the story.
Despite the mixed outcome, Sonko has consistently argued that the cases against him are not purely legal but politically driven.
Over the past months, he has repeatedly claimed that his prosecution is part of a broader scheme to target him due to his outspoken stance against corruption.
Earlier this year, while appearing before Magistrate Charles Ondieki in a separate Ksh20 million graft case, Sonko strongly defended himself.
He alleged that powerful individuals were behind the charges, claiming that meetings were held at State House involving senior county officials with the intention of orchestrating his political downfall.
He told the court that his efforts to reform Nairobi County, including improving infrastructure, building new markets, and enhancing social services, may have put him at odds with influential figures who resisted change.
“Some powerful individuals were not happy with my policies and development agenda. They came together and planned to bring me down,” Sonko stated during his testimony.
In his defense, Sonko also highlighted actions he took while in office to fight corruption within the county government.
He revealed that he terminated several contracts in the revenue department and dismissed officials, including cashiers, who were allegedly involved in a Ksh20 million graft scandal.
As the case continues, all eyes will remain on the court proceedings to see how Sonko handles the remaining charges.
While his acquittal on the money laundering count offers some relief, the outcome of the tender-related allegations could have serious implications for his political future and public image.
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