Sonko files complaint against Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has now filed a complaint before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) against Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti.

Sonko wants the anti-corruption court Chief Magistrate be investigated for alleged unethical conduct in the hearing his graft case.

“I have reason to believe that the magistrate has exhibited open bias against me in a manner in which he has presided over the trial,” reads the petition.

Sonko claims that the magistrate has at all times refused all his applications for adjournment of the matter even when the reasons are valid.

He further says that justice must be seen to be done, adding that the conduct of the magistrate is contrary to the principal and therefore should be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action taken.

Sonko appeared in court on Monday for the hearing of the Ksh.10 million graft case. The case is being heard in Camera.

However, his lawyer John Khaminwa walked out of the proceedings and termed the hearing as unfair.

On March 4, 2021 Sonko was dealt a blow after Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti declined an application by Sonko to recuse himself from hearing one of his fraud case.

The magistrate ruled that there is no evidence put before him to show that he is biased and that Sonko will not get justice.

“The applicant having been represented by able lawyers instead of filing an appeal opted for recusal, this is a conduct meant to threaten a judicial officer,” the court noted. “I do find no evidence of bias and hereby dismiss the application for it has no merit.”