Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has made allegations that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta were involved in bribery to support his impeachment from office. Sonko claims that his impeachment proceedings began after he declined a proposal to evict and demolish Nairobi slum dwellers. This proposal was part of a plan to expand a sewer line serving Northlands, a property owned by the Kenyatta family.
Sonko made these allegations during his defense in a graft case at the Milimani Anti-corruption court. He stated that Raila Odinga approached senators in a parking lot and offered them money to vote for his impeachment. Sonko also claimed that his political troubles intensified after he rejected the proposal involving the demolition and eviction of residents.
According to Sonko, the company owned by the Kenyatta family had significant interests in Nairobi, and he was approached to approve the proposed exercise. However, Sonko rejected the plan because it did not provide compensation for the residents who would be affected by the demolitions and evictions. This decision led to him being approached to surrender some county functions to the national government.
The former governor claimed that after turning down the proposal, he faced significant political difficulties and was eventually impeached. Sonko's impeachment was completed in December 2020 after the Senate upheld charges against him, including gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. The Supreme Court later upheld his removal, finding that he had been given adequate opportunity to respond to the charges.
Sonko's account echoes claims he made during his 2020 impeachment trial, when he described the process as a political witch-hunt and accused unnamed external forces of influencing Nairobi MCAs. His latest allegations concerning alleged payments to senators and the proposed demolitions were made during his defense hearing in a Ksh 24 million graft case.
The graft case is ongoing, with Sonko defending himself against charges of corruption. His allegations against Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta have added a new layer of complexity to the case. The court will need to consider these claims as part of the overall evidence presented.
Sonko's claims have significant implications for the Kenyan political landscape, highlighting the intense politics and power struggles that can occur in the country. The allegations also raise questions about the role of money in politics and the influence of powerful individuals in shaping the country's governance.
Key points
- Sonko alleges that Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta bribed senators to support his impeachment.
- Sonko's impeachment was completed in December 2020 after the Senate upheld charges against him.
- The allegations were made during Sonko's defense hearing in a Ksh 24 million graft case.
