Coast police boss to drop Sonko assault charge
What you need to know:
- Only two journalists per media house were allowed in to follow proceedings.
- The charge stemmed from his dramatic arrest last December when the governor declined to board a police helicopter that was to airlift him to Nairobi.
Coast regional police commander Rashid Yakub on Monday filed an application to drop an assault case against Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko at the Voi Law Courts.
The prosecution told the court that the complainant is willing to withdraw the case as he is no longer interested in pursuing it.
However, the prosecution did not state the reason for withdrawal of the case.
Senior Resident Magistrate Frederick Nyakundi said he will rule on the matter tomorrow.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko at the Voi Law Court on January 21, 2020. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Sonko's lead counsel, Cecil Miller, said his client does not object to the application.
The governor is expected to appear in person during the ruling of the application.
The charge stemmed from his dramatic arrest last December when the governor declined to board a police helicopter that was to airlift him to Nairobi for questioning over corruption allegations.
DRAMATIC ARREST
Sonko arrived in Voi, Taita-Taveta County, Monday morning at 9 am where he was expected to face assault, resisting arrest and offensive conduct charges.
Voi police mounted a roadblock leading to the Voi law courts while heavy security was deployed in the area. Only two journalists per media house were allowed in to follow proceedings.
A heavy police deployment at the entrance to the Voi Law courts on January 21, 2020 where Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will take plea. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Initially, he was to appear at the Voi court on December 18 but it was postponed after he failed to show up citing health reasons.
He was accused of assaulting Mr Yakub at Ikanga airstrip.
His aides had also confronted police officers while trying to stop them from arresting him.
CORRUPTION CHARGES
In Nairobi, the county boss is facing a Sh357 million graft case with the list of charges including money laundering, receiving bribes and conflict of interest.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and is represented by a high-profile team of lawyers including Senators Kipchumba Murkomen, who is the Majority Leader, and Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni).
The role of the two senators in the trial has brought up accusations of conflict of interest since the Senate plays an oversight role for county governance.
Sonko is currently barred by court from accessing his office. This has led to a leadership crisis at City Hall since the devolved unit lacks a deputy governor.
Additional reporting by Lynette Mukami
