Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has termed his ban from traveling to the United States of America as a ‘strategic political move,’ by his rivals to curb his political ambitions ahead of forthcoming polls.
On Tuesday, March 8, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the Immigration documents stopping Mike Sonko, his wife, and three children from getting visas to the US, citing alleged corruption during his reign at the helm of City Hall.
But in a statement released hours later, the flamboyant politician wondered why the US blocked him alone out of the dozens of politicians facing corruption allegations.
According to the ousted county boss, the ban was politically instigated by his competitors to silence his political ambitions ahead of the August 9, General Election.
“I have received the news that the US embassy has declared me and my family persona non grata in America. This is a strategic political move to silence me and curb my political ambitions, but I will never be cowed. Am I the only politician facing corruption cases in Kenya?
“The Judiciary is currently addressing over 400 cases of corruption 20 out of which are facing politicians. The move is obviously politically motivated by my political rivals to deny my right as a Kenyan Citizen to prove that I am indeed innocent,’’ Sonko said.
While making the declaration, Counselor for Public Affairs Eric Watnik at the US Embassy in Nairobi said the ban of Sonko’s family from the US is based on “involvement in significant corruption” during his short tenure at City Hall.
“His (Sonko’s) corruption has been widely reported in the local and international press. With this designation the department reaffirms the need for accountability, transparency, and respect for rule of law in Kenya’s democratic institutions, government processes, and the actions of the public officials,” said Watnik.
The ban means that Sonko, his wife Primrose Mbuvi, his daughters Saumu and Salma, and his underage son are not eligible for entry into the US and that they have been banned from doing any business with the foreign country.
