US bans entry of former Kenyan governor Mike Sonko, family

NAIROBI— Kenya’s former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and his immediate family members have been banned from travelling to the US over corruption allegations related to abuse of office and bribery.

According to the announcement by Counselor for Public Affairs Eric Watnik at the US Embassy in Nairobi, Sonko’s ban from the US is based on “involvement in significant corruption” during his short tenure at City Hall.

Watnik said the State Department has declared Sonko, his wife Primrose Mbuvi, his daughters Saumu and Salma, and his underage son ineligible for entry into the US. The designation means they have also been banned from doing any business with the US.

“His (Sonko’s) corruption has been widely reported in the local and international press. With this designation the department reaffirms the need for accountability, transparency, and respect for rule of law in Kenya’s democratic institutions, government processes, and the actions of the public officials,” said Watnik.

He continued: “The United States will continue to use all tools available to combat corruption and promote respect for human rights globally.” He issued the communication on behalf of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Counselor disclosed that the department is in possession of credible information that Sonko received bribes in kickbacks from his associates in exchange for awarding multimillion-shilling tenders.

“The department has credible information that the former governor was involved in significant corruption when serving as governor of Nairobi. We determined that he received bribes in kickbacks in exchange for irregular awarding of contracts to his associates for personal gains,” stated Watnik.

According to the diplomat, Sonko’s corrupt acts undermined the rule of law, Kenyan’s public, government processes, and public officials.

Sonko becomes the second Kenyan to be publicly banned from travelling to the US during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government over corruption allegations.

In 2019, Busia Senator Amos Wako (former Attorney General), his wife, and his son were banned from travelling to the United States over similar allegations.

Sonko is currently facing three different cases at the anti-corruption magistrate court in Milimani. They involve Sh381 million lost from the county government’s account through money laundering, bribes, conflict of interest, and acquisition of proceeds of crime.

He is also fighting accusations of abuse of office, making irregular payments, improperly conferring a benefit to himself, and conspiring to commit an offence of corruption.

He is out on a cash bail of Sh15 million.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK