Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko banned from travelling to the US
Flamboyant former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and his family have been banned from entering the US on significant corruption, including abuse of office and bribery. The US is adamant about ensuring accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
The news was relayed by Counselor for Public Affairs Eric Watnik. Apart from denying access to the US, Sonko and his family will not be allowed to do any business with the United States.
Apart from Sonko’s corruption being reported in local dailies, the international media has highlighted his misdeeds.
Watnik based the decision on section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act 2020.
Sonko’s woes are linked to receiving bribes in kickbacks for awarding tenders and awarding contracts to his friends and associates for his gains.
Currently, Sonko faces at least three cases at the anti-corruption court in Milimani.
He is the second Kenyan to be banned from entering the US in ten years. In 2019, Amos Wako, the Busia Senator, was banned from entering the US over similar allegations.
Sonko, in response to the ban, said that He was shocked at why the US picked on Him.
A few days later, he said that he would vie for the 2022 Nairobi Senators seat. He asked whether he was the only politician in Kenya facing corruption in Kenya.
“I challenge the office of the DPP and DCI to table evidence and prove beyond reasonable doubt that I am indeed corrupt, then waste the Court’s precious time in this political inspired case,” he said.
Sonko also goes in history as the second governor impeached after former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Meanwhile, In December 2010, Sonko, the then Makadara Member of Parliament, was listed as a drug baron according to a report tabled in parliament by the then Security Minister, the late George Saitoti.
Others named in the report include Eugene Wamalwa, the then Member of Parliament for Saboti; William Kabogo, the then MP for Juja; Hassan Joho, the then KIsauni Member of Parliament; Harun Mwau, who was an assistant minister at that time and businessman Ali Punjani. The then US Ambassador Micheal Rannerberger allegedly authored the report
