Embattled Sonko to know fate as court rules in cases
Two key court rulings will be made today, that will determine whether former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will continue being incarcerated or freed to fight a litany of criminal allegations.
Sonko’s woes were further exacerbated by the arrest of his close aides by detectives from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) on Friday last week.
Kiambu Chief Magistrate will this morning first rule on his application to be released on bond in a multiple assault and robbery with violence cases.
Later, the Kahawa West Court will also make a ruling on ATPU detectives’ application to allow them detain Sonko for 30 days to enable them conclude investigations into his alleged link to terrorism.
Revive old cases
Detectives have also revived old, but pending criminal cases against the embattled former governor.
This is amidst reports that one of the files, is said to be missing and his legal team now say they suspect foul play.
Already, detectives have visited Mombasa Law Court and Shimo La Tewa Prison where Sonko was jailed.
“We have reliably been informed that they want to revive old cases and we intend to challenge the attempts,” one of his lawyers told People Daily.
ATPU boss John Gachomo has confirmed they are holding nine suspects, who are expected to be charged alongside Sonko. They were presented in court yesterday.
Detectives had over the weekend rounded up the aides from different parts of the city, including near City Hall and estates.
They were then taken to their respective residences where searches were conducted.
Among items seized included jungle military uniforms and knives, which detectives said were part of the things they use for their alleged training.
Among the suspects arrested are Clifford Ouko and Benjamin Ochieng, who were last Thursday presented in court and detained further. They are claimed to have attempted to rescue Sonko.
The prosecution wanted to have the two be detained for 30 days pending investigation.
They were arrested on February 3 outside Kamiti where Ochieng went on Facebook live revealing that Sonko was locked up there.
An affidavit by police said they recovered military uniforms, SIM cards, laptop and assorted mobile phones from the duo.
Inspector Ezekiel Luley of ATPU swore an affidavit, saying the two have been wearing military attire against the Kenyan laws, adding they had planned to attack parts of the country and cause mayhem.
Sonko spent the weekend at the Gigiri police cells ahead of two rulings on his release.
The court at Kamiti prisons that was hearing an application by the prosecution to hold him for 30 days deferred the ruling to today,.
Kiambu court is also expected to make a ruling on his bail application in other cases.
His lawyers; John Khaminwa, Assa Nyakundi, Evans Ondieki and Alfred Nyamu said the move by police amounted to abuse of power and would claw back gained reforms.
Sonko’s attempts to be released by a Kiambu court last week failed after a magistrate who was to issue a determination for his application failed to show up.
