Sonko-leaks: Why does Nairobi Governor record conversations?

Sonko-leaks: Why does Nairobi Governor record conversations?

The latest leaked audio recording of a conversation between Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and his Kiambu counterpart Ferdinand Waititu has raised eyebrows in different quarters.

It is not the first time that such an incident has occurred with the Governor always seeming to bait or arm-twist those he records.

But why does he do it? What is the motive and what is the place of private conversations in Governor Sonko’s world?

Sonko has branded himself as an unconventional leader since his political debut in 2010 when he won the Makadara parliamentary seat in a by-election.

When he is not fighting for his cause physically, he is fighting verbally; but it is would seem that his recorded conversations remain his strongest weapon.

In Wednesday’s leaked phone conversation, Governor Waititu is heard pleading for the release of his his wife Susan Wangare who arrested in connection with illegal construction of a building.

While the reason for arrest is now a judicial matter, Governor Waititu is heard lecturing Sonko on how leaders conduct themselves in the fight against corruption.

Wewe usiropokwe sana, unajua mdosi anapigana na corruption na wewe unapiga mdomo,”said Governor Waititu.

“….order inatoka juu…wacha niwachilie mama …halafu kuja nikupe approval…,” Sonko retorted.

Begging the question, whose battle is Governor Sonko fighting? And just who is mdosi?

Last Sunday, President Uhuru Kenyatta said no one would be spared in the ongoing corruption purge.

“It doesn’t matter who you know or how much money you have. It doesn’t matter if you know the President…impunity has to end,” he said.

In January 2014, Governor Sonko was having trouble with his Deputy Polycarp Igathe and in a bid to show how in tandem they were working, a phone conversation leaked.

In the taped conversation, Governor Sonko was heard assigning the deputy new roles.

However, taping conversations is not only a tactic he uses against colleagues or his juniors.

In 2014, when he served as Nairobi Senator, Sonko put President Kenyatta on speaker phone.

The conversation was about demolitions in South B estate in Nairobi.

According to Article 73 of the Constitution, a State officer must exercise his authority in a manner that demonstrates respect for the people, brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office.

It must be exercised in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office.

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Sonko waititu susan wangare

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