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GSU takes over Milimani Court security on Sonko’s big day

Security was tight at the Milimani Law Courts where anti riot General Service Unit officers were deployed following reports of planned protests on Monday when Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was arraigned over Sh357 million corruption charges. /MOSES MUOKI.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – The Milimani Law Court was cordoned off Monday, as Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and 18 others faced corruption charges, following reports his supporters were planning violent demonstrations to protest his arrest and prosecution.

Traffic on roads around the law courts in Community area was diverted, with motorists and pedestrians subjected to thorough security checks.

Our news crew deployed to the court said the security checks were undertaken by the General Service Unit officers, who were also deployed to the court corridors.

The security officers were even scrutinizing people’s identification cards before they are allowed to the courtroom, with many people turned away.

Front row: Mike Sonko and businessman Antony Ombok and others at the back who are facing corruption charges. /MOSES MUOKI.

Sonko pleaded not guilty to more than 10 counts related to money laundering, receiving bribes and conflict of interest in a Sh357 million scandal, when he was arraigned before anti-corruption court magistrate Douglas Ogoti, in a packed court.

He was represented by several lawyers led by Cecil Miller, who unsuccessfully applied for an anticipatory bail soon after the Governor was arrested in Voi in a dramatic scene captured on video on Thursday after the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji indicted him and 18 others.

Sonko was escorted to court at 7 am in handcuffs, amid tight security.

Former County Secretary Peter Kariuki and former procurement head Patrick Mwangangi are among 13 other suspects including tender committee members and directors of firms awarded questionable contracts.

Haji cited the officials for conflict of interest having, “facilitated and/or benefitted from the irregular procurement and payments amounting to Sh357, 390,299 million.”

Following his directive on Friday, Sonko was flown to Wilson Airport Friday afternoon following a dramatic arrest in Voi where EACC detectives caught up with him while he was reportedly on the run.

Sonko (pictured) arrived at EACC headquarters in Nairobi in handcuffs and under heavy security amid reports of a possible outbreak of protests by his supporters/COURTESY

A video shared widely online showed the county chief resisting arrest following police officers to handcuff him before forcing him into a police helicopter at the Ikanga airstrip in Taita Taveta.

EACC confirmed Sonko’s attempted escape despite the first-time Governor refuting claims that he resisted arrest in a statement shared by his office Friday afternoon.

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“EACC confirms that Nairobi City County Governor Mike Sonko Mbuvi has been arrested while escaping arrest at a roadblock in Voi and is being transferred to Nairobi to face charges of corruption and economic crime,” the anti-graft agency tweeted.

Haji told journalists that he had enough evidence to warrant the prosecution of the county chief after reviewing a file handed to him by the EACC.

Sonko arrived at EACC headquarters in Nairobi in handcuffs and under heavy security amid reports of a possible outbreak of protests by his supporters.

He said, in a statement dispatched by his office, he was ready to defend himself in court while also urging his supporters to remain calm.

Police Spokesman Charles Owino said the governor will also face charges for assaulting a senior police officer in Voi during his arrest.

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