NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has moved to court seeking urgent orders to block the proposed degazettement of Capital Hill Police Station, citing security risks and potential interference with ongoing judicial processes.
In a statement on Saturday, Sonko said he had instructed his lawyers to file a constitutional petition challenging the move, invoking Articles 22, 23, 10, 247, and 258 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
“As a resident of Upper Hill, we cannot and will not allow the security of this critical area to be compromised,” he said, warning that the decision could expose key institutions and the public to heightened risk.
Upper Hill is one of Nairobi’s most strategic zones, hosting major national institutions including the Milimani Law Courts, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kenyatta National Hospital, and The Nairobi Hospital. The area is also home to leading financial institutions, corporate headquarters, embassies, and government ministries.
Sonko argued that weakening policing infrastructure in such a high-value area would pose a “grave risk” to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
The former governor further raised concerns over ongoing legal proceedings, noting that the police station holds critical records tied to his case, including Occurrence Book (OB) entries referenced in ACC No. 1 of 2020. He said officers attached to the station have already testified, with more expected to appear in court.
“There is a real possibility that the court may need to visit the station physically,” Sonko said, adding that any relocation or closure could interfere with the administration of justice.
He also cited a separate complaint he lodged earlier this year, which remains under investigation at the same station, arguing that its degazettement could compromise evidence and investigative continuity.
Under Article 247 of the Constitution, the National Police Service is mandated to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Legal experts note that any decision affecting police infrastructure must align with constitutional principles, including public participation, transparency, and accountability under Article 10.
While authorities are yet to publicly respond to Sonko’s claims, the issue is likely to trigger debate over urban security planning and the rationalisation of police facilities in Nairobi.
As the matter heads to court, attention will focus on whether the proposed degazettement meets legal thresholds and whether adequate measures have been put in place to maintain security and institutional integrity in Upper Hill.
