Sonko was assaulted during arrest, suffered rib fractures – court told

Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s defense team on Monday told the court that the county boss developed chest complications and rib fractures during his dramatic Friday arrest in Voi.

Lawyer Cecil Miller Jr made the revelation while seeking the governor’s release on bail so that he can be granted medical attention.

“I have with me a medical report by Dr. Esther Nafula Wekesa which states that he (Sonko) should be released on bail immediately since he was assaulted during arrest and has developed serious chest complications and possible rib fractures,” he said.

Prosecution however opposed Sonko’s release on bail saying he could interfere with State witnesses, further adding that he is wanted for assaulting police officers during his arrest.

According to Prosecutor James Kihara, Sonko should also be barred from accessing his office and should be ordered to surrender all his travel documents before court.

Mr. Kihara quoted a 1997 case file in which he alleged that Sonko, then jailed at Shimo La Tewa Prison, escaped custody after pretending that he needed treatment.

“On assaulting the police, Sonko is actually the one who was assaulted. We understand there is a charge sheet awaiting him in Voi. We also apply that he is given bond terms to cover that matter so he can present himself instead of being re-arrested after this,” said lawyer Miller.

Miller also dismissed claims that Sonko is a prison escapee, only tossing the ball back to the court of various government agencies that cleared him to run for public office if there was any truth to the allegations.

“The police, EACC cleared him to run as MP, Senator and even Governor. If he was a prison escapee, how could this have happened? There is neither a pending case nor a warrant of arrest against Sonko,” he stated.

“He was also awarded as a Good Deed Ambassador by UN…on account of all this, he cannot hide anywhere, he has no intention of going anywhere. Being a flight risk is allegation framed by those who arrested him…all his homes are guarded by Kenya police, how can he move away?”

The governor’s advocate further added: “Barring him from accessing his office, there will be a constitutional crisis in Nairobi since he doesn’t have a deputy governor.”

Sonko on Monday appeared before Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti where he denied various graft-related charges.