DPP Haji Opposes Sonko's Request in Graft Case

DPP Noordin Haji (Left) and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
DPP Noordin Haji (Left) and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
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Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has opposed a request by former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko to reveal the identity of protected witnesses. 

Haji's response came after trial magistrate Douglas Ogoti ordered the redacting of some information on the witnesses after Sonko said his rights have been violated.

The DPP, however, argued that Sonko's rights had not been infringed. 

noordin Haji
DPP Noordin Haji
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“It is not sufficient for the Applicant to question the discretion of the trial courts for the reason that it believed that the court ought to have made a different decision. For this court to review any order of the trial court, the applicant must demonstrate a manifest error,” the DPP stated.

Sonko is accused of conspiring with businesspeople and senior county government officials to embezzle more than Ksh300 million of public money. 

The former governor is said to have received Ksh25 million through proxies. The money is said to have been deposited in different bank accounts. The DPP has since turned some of the accused officials into witnesses.

Currently, the former governor is admitted at the Nairobi Hospital.

On Wednesday, February 17, Ogoti ordered that a fresh medical evaluation on the former county boss be carried out.

The judge directed that the examination be conducted by three doctors attached to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

He also directed that after the examination, the investigating officer produce Sonko in court on March 4 during a hearing of a case in which he is accused of embezzling Ksh10 million.

Sonko is also facing terrorism charges after DCI claimed that he was financing the purchase of firearms and was a leader of a secret militant group. 

He will face the charges once he is discharged from the hospital.

Sandra Mbuvi with Former Nairobi Governor in hospital on February 13, 2021.
Sandra Mbuvi with Former Nairobi Governor in hospital on February 13, 2021.
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