Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has challenged his impeachment and graft prosecution in court testimony.
The former Nairobi governor told a court that his removal and corruption prosecution were politically driven, allegations that have not been established as facts.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has accused retired President Uhuru Kenyatta of engineering his impeachment and corruption case.
Sonko made the allegations on Monday during his defence hearing before Milimani Anti-Corruption Principal Magistrate Isabella Barasa. Through lawyer Assah Nyakundi, Sonko claimed the two events formed part of a political campaign against him.
He also accused the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of framing him in the graft case. However, Sonko’s claims remain allegations and have not been established as facts by the court.
Sonko Claims Uhuru Influenced Impeachment
During his testimony, Sonko alleged that Kenyatta bribed senators to support his removal from office. He claimed the former president interfered after the Nairobi County Assembly passed his impeachment motion.
According to Sonko, the alleged interference continued as the matter moved to the Senate. He linked his removal to political tensions surrounding his administration at City Hall.
Additionally, Sonko alleged that Kenyatta and his family had business interests in Nairobi County. He claimed those interests contributed to tensions involving his administration.
Dispute Over Nairobi Demolitions
Sonko also told the court that his problems began after he allegedly rejected instructions to demolish structures in Nairobi.
He claimed the demolitions would have cleared areas needed for highway construction. According to his account, his refusal contributed to the conflict surrounding his leadership.
Meanwhile, Sonko raised the transfer of several county functions to the national government during Kenyatta’s presidency. He cited transport, health and revenue collection among the transferred functions.
He argued that the changes reduced the scope of his administration. Later, his impeachment ended his tenure as Nairobi governor.
Sonko Challenges Corruption Case
Turning to the graft case, Sonko maintained that the charges were politically motivated. He further accused the EACC of fabricating evidence against him.
However, the defence testimony only presented Sonko’s account of events. It did not amount to a court finding against Kenyatta, the senators or the EACC.
The EACC is mandated to investigate and pursue corruption and economic crime matters under Kenya’s anti-corruption framework.
The defence hearing is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
