I do not need your security, Sonko tells Govt

Besieged Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko now says he does not need State security.

Sonko’s outburst comes barely two weeks after his security detail was cut down from 26 police officers to five, following a government directive aimed at scaling down the level of VIP protection to bolster security in the country.

The embattled county boss likened his situation to that of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga and his NASA counterparts when their security details were temporarily withdrawn by the government.

“When Raila Amolo Odinga’s security personnel was withdrawn, did his life continue or not? Those other NASA leaders who had their security withdrawn, did their lives continue or not?” posed Governor Sonko.

“Even I in Nairobi County, life with citizens will continue. I believe the citizens are enough security. I do not need that police security anymore.”

Sonko further defended his decision to nominate Kenyan born-Canadian lawyer Miguna Miguna to the position of Nairobi County Deputy Governor, reiterating his earlier statement that only Miguna could help him fight the cartels within City Hall.

He also faulted the State for issuing Miguna with a Kenyan identity card and passport as well as clearing him to run for Nairobi governorship during the last General Election yet “now that I have chosen him, they’re saying he (Miguna) is Canadian.”

Sonko was speaking during a church service at AIPCA Njiru, Nairobi, having just returned to the country’s capital after moving county operations to his rural home in Mua hills, Machakos, last week.

He had previously vowed to petition the Senate over withdrawal of his security claiming his life was in danger.