PHOTOS: Sonko's lions vandalised hours after surrendering functions to national government

Barely 24 hours have passed since Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko officially surrendered key county functions to the national government.

On Tuesday, the embattled governor handed over crucial functions of health, transport, public works, and planning to the national government. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka were witnesses in an agreement signed by the Nairobi governor and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.

While some politicians and lawyers have since argued on the constitutionality of the move, recent developments at the City Hall seem to point out that the flashy governor may as well be on the verge of completely surrendering his helm at the county.

If you are used to seeing the beautifully carved lion sculptures at the City Hall entrance, chances are you are likely to never see them again, at least not at the county headquarters.

This morning, photos of the sculptures being moved swept social media platforms. Rather than resting on either side of the entrance, the lions are seen on a stationery canter outside the county offices.

Although Governor Sonko was rarely seen at City Hall, choosing to run most county functions from his Mua Hills home, the photos have further sparked debate among Kenyans that the governor's reign is coming to an irreversible end.

"End of an error: Sonko's lion sculptures outside City Hall removed. Apparently, someone set them ablaze at night, #SonkoSurrenders" tweeted one Augustine Sang.

"By handing over Nairobi County to the National government without a fight and informing the people who voted for him, Mike Sonko has conceded that he has failed and should do the honorable thing and step down. Nairobi is bigger than Sonko's political ambition. #SonkoSurrenders" added Muthui Mkenya.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is facing graft charges in a case filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).