NAIROBI, Kenya — A Nairobi court has acquitted former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko of money laundering charges in an ongoing corruption case linked to alleged irregular tender awards at City Hall.
In its ruling, the court found that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to sustain the money laundering accusation against the former governor.
“I have considered the submissions that were filed for the prosecution and for the accused persons. Having reviewed that evidence, I’m acquitting on count three, count three related to money laundering,” the court ruled.
However, Sonko was not fully cleared, as the court determined that he still had a case to answer on other charges tied to the alleged irregular awarding of tenders during his tenure at Nairobi City County Government.
“I am placing the accused person on their defence in respect to count 1,2,4 and 5,” the court added.
The prosecution alleges that the county tendering process was manipulated, leading to unlawful contract awards and possible loss of public funds.
As a result of the ruling, Sonko will now be required to present his defence as the case proceeds to the next phase of the trial.
The decision marks a partial legal victory for the former governor, who has consistently denied wrongdoing and argued that the charges against him were politically motivated.
In a separate but related matter in January 2025, a magistrate ruled that Sonko had a case to answer in a reduced case involving 11 charges connected to a Sh20 million revenue tender at City Hall, including allegations of money laundering.
During previous court proceedings, Sonko claimed his prosecution was orchestrated by influential individuals and senior officials opposed to his campaign against the alleged illegal acquisition of public land, especially land belonging to public schools.
He told the court that while serving in public office, several well-connected individuals allegedly attempted to bribe senior county officials with up to Sh5 million each to facilitate land grabbing schemes.
Sonko’s legal troubles began in 2019 after his arrest over a separate Sh357 million graft case involving alleged irregular payments, abuse of office, and money laundering.
The former Nairobi governor has remained a prominent political figure despite multiple court battles and continues to maintain his innocence in all pending cases.
