Swift Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka gazettes Sonko impeachment

No sooner was Nairobi Senator sent packing by the Senate than his removal was gazetted.

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka last gazetted the impeachment in less than hour of the governor’s removal.

"On Thursday, December 17, 2020, the Senate resolved to remove Hon. Mike Mbuvi Sonko, the Governor of Nairobi City County, from office, by impeachment," read a gazette notice signed by the speaker.

Some of the accusations lodged against Sonko include using of funds meant for bursaries to pay lawyers. Even though Sonko contested the amount in question, he did not deny the charges. Evidence present before senate showed that the governor paid a total of Sh163 million to two separate law firms.

Sonko was also punished for the stalled Dandora Stadium project under investigation due to sloppy execution by the constructor. Sonko is accused of turning a blind eye to the site's shoddy job even though part of the money was already paid to the contractor. The MCAs argue that Sonko Paid Sh196 million for the job, but Sonko maintains it was only Sh80 million.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko at the Senate-Assembly during his impeachment debate at parliament buildings, Nairobi. December 17, 2020. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Another accusation that the governor refuted was his wife and daughter flying first class to the United States at tax-payers' expense.

Sonko also faced other lighter accusations that poked holes in his integrity especially on how he treated women. The governor is said to have been using inappropriate language against his female colleagues thus denting his ability to hold such a high office.

Sonko will be the second governor to be a victim of Senate's axe following former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu in January this year. Waititu was impeached over Gross misconduct, abuse of office, and engaging in corruption.