A number of politicians on February 5 were barred from paying former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko a visit at Gigiri police station where he is being detained.
The area OCPD Julius Kiragu told the politicians including Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici and Johnstone Muthama that only members of Sonko's nuclear family would be allowed to visit him, together with his lawyers as well as doctors.
Muthama expressed his disappointment by saying that it is Sonko’s right to be visited by his friends. He added that he is Sonko’s uncle, therefore part of the suspect'ss family, yet he could not be allowed to see him.
“I have been here for 30 minutes now. I wanted to know how Sonko is doing but as you can see, the gate is closed. The police officers here are armed to the teeth. We have been told by the OCPD that the three categories of people are allowed to visit him.”
“I am his uncle for those who do not know, yet I still cannot see him. Yes, he is locked up, but it is only good that his human rights are respected,” he added.
Ngirici claimed that the charges against Sonko were politically instigated. She added that the politicians are living in fear of speaking their minds since they could be charged with trumped-up charges.
“We should follow the rule of the law. Kenya is not a banana republic. We are demanding justice for Sonko,” she added.
On Wednesday, February 3, Sonko was taken to Kahawa West Law Courts after 5 p.m. Terror charges were labelled against the embattled politician.
The court, which had already been closed, was reopened after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) presented the case seeking to detain Sonko for 30 days.
The court rejected the request instead directing the investigating officer to ensure he is safe at Gigiri until his next appearance.
A ruling for the 30-day extension sought by the ATPU will be made on Tuesday, February 9.
