Flamboyant former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been banned from traveling to the United States over corruption allegations.
Through a Press release on Tuesday, March 8, The U.S Department of State stated that the former governor has been banned for involvement in significant corruption related to abuse of office and bribery.
“The U.S. Department of State is designating former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Gideon Mbuvi Kioko due to his involvement in significant corruption. While in office, Governor Sonko solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding government contracts to his associates.” The U.S stated.
The statement opined that Sonko’s actions undermined the rule of law and the public’s faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions and public processes.
The immediate family members of the controversial former governor were also affected, as going forward they are ineligible for entry into the United States.
“The Department of State is also announcing the designation of the following members of Sonko’s immediate family: his wife Primrose Mwelu Nyamu Mbuvi; their daughters Saumu Agnes Mbuvi and Salma Wanjiru Mbuvi; and Sonko’s minor child,” the statement added.
The State Department said its move is meant to affirm its commitment to the fight against corruption in Kenya and even globally.
“These designations reaffirm the commitment of the United States to combatting corruption and supporting the rule of law while strengthening democratic institutions in Kenya.
“We will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally,” the statement added.
Sonko Corruption cases
The colorful former governor of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is currently facing numerous criminal charges including several corruption cases, assault, and terrorist-linked offenses.
In one case, Sonko is facing charges of economic crimes, abuse of office, unlawful acquisition of property, and irregular payments that saw the county lose Ksh 357 million. He is out on a cash bail of Sh15 million.
The flamboyant former governor has also been charged alongside Fredrick Odhiambo alias Fred Oyugi trading as Yiro Enterprises Limited, Antony Otieno Ombok, and ROG Securities Ltd for embezzling county government funds to the tune of Sh14 million.
In another charge, Sonko is accused of soliciting a bribe of Sh10 million from a company that City Hall had contracted to collect revenues.
According to court documents, prosecutors said that Sonko demanded the bribe from Web Tribe Limited through ROG Security Ltd as an inducement to facilitate payments and its contract with Nairobi County.
Sonko joins, Busia Senator Amos Wako, to be the second Kenyans to be publicly banned from traveling to the US during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government over corruption allegations.
In 2019, Busia Senator Amos Wako (former Attorney General), his wife, and his son were banned from traveling to the United States over corruption allegations.
