Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris has sharply criticized former governor Mike Sonko for complaining after being banned from traveling to the United States of America.
This is after Sonko protested his ban on traveling to the United States claiming that the move was instigated by his political opponents who want to curb his political ambitions ahead of the August 9 elections.
Sonko, in a statement on Tuesday, March 8, wondered why the US barred him alone from traveling when there are so many other politicians in the country who have been implicated in corruption scandals.
“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 case in Kenya?” Sonko posed.
But in a report by Citizen TV on Wednesday, March 9, the ODM legislator told the ousted county boss to stop complaining and deal with his problems.
Passaris called on Mike Sonko to carry his own cross adding that she believes the US government would not make such an order without having enough evidence.
She further said that she worked with the former county boss for the shortest time he was at the helm of City Hall and that it proved impossible.
“I tried to work with Governor Sonko and it proved impossible. He has to carry his burden. I don’t believe the US would make such a decision without evidence,” she said.
While making the declaration, the US said it had obtained “credible information” that the ex-Nairobi County boss was involved in graft, including bribery, irregular awarding of tenders, and undermining the rule of law.
“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 State Department said on its official website.
