NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has scored a significant legal victory after the High Court directed the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) to unfreeze assets worth over Sh574 million.
Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Nixon Sifuna dismissed ARA’s application to seize funds totaling Sh574,258,398.74.
The judge noted that the agency had failed to provide evidence linking Sonko to money laundering or any illicit financial dealings.
“The court finds that the applicant [ARA] has not demonstrated a prima facie case against the respondent [Sonko],” Justice Sifuna ruled, ordering the immediate release of the frozen bank accounts.
The decision marks a major reprieve for Sonko, who has been embroiled in multiple legal battles following his removal from City Hall.
Sonko’s legal troubles have included a series of high-profile cases relating to alleged corruption, but Wednesday’s ruling indicates the court requires stronger evidence before permitting the seizure of his assets.
The former governor, known for his flamboyant style and populist politics, has not publicly commented on the High Court decision, but allies welcomed the judgment as a vindication.
