Court rejects Sonko’s application to have passport ‘for UAE trip’

Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko (above) on Thursday suffered a blow after the court declined to release his travel documents held as part of his bail terms.

Anti-corruption court Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti said while delivering the ruling that he could not review his own orders because it could amount to an abuse of office.

“The release of the passport at this stage may lead to an abuse of office and the court is not ready to do that,” ruled Ogoti.

He added that the court does not know how the applicants received their evidence as they did not attach any clearance from relevant Government officials. Ogoti said that in the application, Sonko failed to indicate the reasons why he wants to travel outside the country.

“The applicant has failed to attach a clearance document as required by government’s officials when they are traveling, “ruled Ogoti.

Sonko had made an application to the court asking for the release of his passports few days ago. He said that he wanted to enable him travel to the United Arab Emirates for official duty.

“The applicant has been invited in his capacity as the Governor of the Nairobi City County and is expected to engage in discussion with other participants on the theme of the forum,” reads court papers Convened by UN-Habitat.

The UN Forum is a high level, open and inclusive platform for addressing the challenges of sustainable urbanization.

The court also heard that the county boss was willing to submit himself to the conditions that may be deemed appropriate by the court as pertains to the release of his travel documents.

However, the prosecution objected the application saying they require time to verify the documents attached in his application and the validity of his letter of invitation.

The court was told that Sonko has paid for the trip using his cards with the prosecution adding that as a proof he was traveling for personal luxury as opposed to official duty.