MPs defend Sonko, accuse EACC of harassment

A group of MPs yesterday defended Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko over cheating claims by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The governor was on Tuesday grilled by the commission  for allegedly lying in his self-declaration form when he sought clearance to contest for governor in 2017.

But the MPs accused the anti-graft agency of intimidating the governor for political reasons. They said  they had “noted with concern” the frequent summons EACC has been issuing Sonko in the last four months.

“As MPs, we have no problem at all with a constitutional commission undertaking its work, but due process and fairness have to be seen,” said the MPs in a statement read by Nominated MP Sammy Seronei.

Unnecessary harassment

They wondered why EACC had not published their findings on Sonko.

 “In our view, this amounts to unnecessary harassment, and a distraction well calculated to derail the governor from serving his electorates,” said Makueni MP Dan Maanzo.

They also accused security agencies of mistreating Sonko and his supporters when he presented himself to EACC headquarters on Tuesday. “It was completely despicable to see police officers lobbing teargas at the governor, yet he was an invitee of the commission. This is the height of impunity coming from government agencies and must be condemned by all,” Maanzo added.

• EACC
• Mike Sonko