Sakaja takes issue with Murkomen, Mutula Kilonzo Jr for representing Sonko in court

Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja on Monday expressed his reservations after fellow senators Kipchumba Murkomen and Mutula Kilonzo Jr formed part of Governor Mike Sonko’s defense team.

Sonko, who is facing allegations of graft, had a team 12 lawyers and Sakaja said he could have looked elsewhere instead of having his colleagues defend him.

"It is a complete conflict of interest. It is your right to have the lawyer of your choice and best legal advice but you cannot be a Senator who is supposed to defend your county and then defend a case on corruption.

“The Senate is mandated to protect county funds from corrupt individuals, not the other way round," said Sakaja.

Adding: "It is ruining the work of the Senate to protect counties. Senate must be impartial. What they are doing defending him is showing the side they are on which is not for the people.”

Sakaja further stated that if Sonko appears before the Senate, it would be a complicated situation since Murkomen (Majority Leader, Senate) will appear to have already taken a stand.

Earlier, Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris also opined on the matter saying it is Sonko’s right to hire the best legal team at his disposal.

Passaris stated that that ‘even the worst criminals’ have rights and there was nothing wrong with the two representing Sonko in court.

“Even the worse of 'criminals' are entitled to a good defense. NASA would have done the same. Kenya is sadly more divisive even as we try to unite it.

“#HandshakeKe should allow what flows from the mountain top, as to try stop it would be unsuccessful. Avalanches must roll & roar,” she said.