Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been banned from travelling to the United States over corruption, abuse of office and bribery allegations.
In an announcement made at the US Embassy in Nairobi by Counselor for Public Affairs Eric Watnik, Sonko’s immediate family members were also banned from travelling to the US.
US Department of State indicated that Sonko solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding government contracts to his associates.
Watnik argued that his actions undermined the rule of law and the public’s faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions and public processes.
“The department has credible information that the former governor was involved in significant corruption when serving as governor of Nairobi
“We determined that he received bribes in kickbacks in exchange for irregular awarding of contracts to his associates for personal gains,” stated Watnik.
Watnik also stated that the outcome of Sonko’s case at the Milimani anti-corruption Court will not impact the ban.
“The action today is based on information available to us and we believe that the information is proven and significantly credible
“It touches on corruption in terms of kickbacks for illegal awarding of contracts. I cannot get into hypothetical but it may not be affected by the court’s determination,” he said.
Sonko becomes the second Kenyan to be publicly banned from travelling to the US during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government over corruption allegations.
In 2019, Busia Senator Amos Wako, his wife and son were banned from travelling to the United States over similar allegations.
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