Ex-Governor Sonko Escapes Some Charges as Ksh. 20M Corruption Case Proceeds
The Anti-Corruption Court has delivered a major reprieve for former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, acquitting him of two counts in a Ksh. 20 million corruption case.
Magistrate Charles Ondieki ruled that the prosecution had filed duplicate charges of conspiracy to commit corruption against Sonko and his co-accused, Antony Ombok. The court found these charges ambiguous and in violation of legal principles.
“Having failed to present prima facie evidence in support thereof, and having further offended the rule against duplicity, count one is dismissed and all the accused are acquitted therefore under section 210 of the CPC and count 8 is dismissed and all the three accused are acquitted under the same section,” Magistrate Ondieki ruled.
However, Sonko and Ombok still face charges of money laundering and conflict of interest, for which they have been placed on their defense. Magistrate Ondieki granted Sonko permission to recall submissions on December 30, 2024.
During the hearing, the prosecution admitted that no funds were lost in the transactions and confirmed that payments made by Nairobi County were legitimate.
This marks the second acquittal for Sonko and his co-accused in the long-running graft case.
Timeline of Events
- December 21, 2022: Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti acquitted Sonko and Ombok of 13 graft-related charges due to lack of evidence, dismissing the charges as defective.
- Subsequent Appeal: Then-DPP Noordin Haji contested the decision, arguing the Magistrate relied on an outdated charge sheet.
- December 11, 2023: High Court Judge Nixon Sifuna overturned the acquittal and ordered a retrial under a new magistrate.
- Present Day: Magistrate Ondieki acquits Sonko of duplicate charges but retains other accusations for defense.
Sonko, who previously vowed to fight the High Court’s decision to retry the case, expressed optimism in securing justice.
“There’s no giving up because God has always been my protector and defender. He will never let me down,” Sonko stated in a past social media post.
The case continues as the defense prepares to address the remaining charges.
ALSO READ ;Horror ; Aircraft Crash in Malindi Leaves Three Dead, Scene in Flames
Ex-Governor Sonko Escapes Some Charges as Ksh. 20M Corruption Case Proceeds
