Sonko’s moment to restore the lost glory of the city in the sun

In some quarters, cynicism greeted the candidature of Mike Sonko Mbuvi as governor of Nairobi. The then Nairobi senator looked awkward on camera and ill-at-ease with spoken English. That, however, did not detract him from his goal. Indeed, those who knew of the fanatical following Sonko commands did not for a moment doubt he would pull it off.

Sonko’s campaigns were low key for a man whose manner is normally loud. Opinion polls that placed him neck and neck with outgoing Governor Evans Kidero gave his quest impetus. After the August 8 polls, Sonko was declared winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.