EACC barred from interfering with property linked to Sonkos wife Primrose

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has been barred from interfering with property linked to the wife of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

The anti-graft agency had obtained an order to conduct evaluation of the property that hosts Sonko’s private office.

“The order issued on June 23 including any further implementation or execution of the said order in the interests of Justice and fairness is hereby stayed,” the order reads.

Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku set an inter-party hearing date for July 16.

In the application, the company Primix Enterprises Limited argues that the orders issued to EACC are unlawful based on the fact that no reason was given for their issuance.

Primrose Mwelu Nyamu, the director of the company, argues that the ex party orders granted on June 23 have the effect of allowing EACC gain entry into the business premises and her residence.

“The application dated 23 June was filed in bad faith and malice,” court papers read.

Lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, acting for Sonko’s wife, argues that the offices of Primix Enterprises Limited are not situated in Nairobi’s Upperhill area as alleged by the EACC.

According to him, the property was duly valued before the sale transaction commenced and the valuation reports are available to the respondents.

“If the orders granted to EACC are not stayed then the respondents is likely to proceed and execute them leading to the company to suffer irreparable and permanent damage,” Kinyanjui argued.

Further, he argues that orders are unlawful and unconstitutional as they arbitrarily deprive the applicant the right to property and privacy.

“The transaction leading to the sale of the property subdivided from LR NO.209/6507 Matumbo Upperhill were above board and due process was followed,” court papers read.

In her affidavit, Primrose says she entered into the sale agreement after conducting proper due diligence.

The property, situated along Matumbato Road behind the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel, is the nerve centre of Sonko’s political activities as it serves as his private office.