Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko appeared before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday to give his testimony in a high-profile graft case that has drawn national attention.
Sonko, facing allegations of conflict of interest and procurement irregularities during his tenure at City Hall, presented sworn testimony and video evidence aimed at clearing his name.
Appearing before Anti-Corruption Court Magistrate Charles Ondieki, Sonko’s defence highlighted his role as a self-proclaimed anti-corruption crusader.
The videos shown in court depicted him actively opposing alleged illegal land grabs, including a school in Kamkunji and a water reservoir site in Loresho, during his time as Nairobi Senator.
The defence argued that the charges were a case of “corruption fighting back” against his efforts to uphold integrity.
Sonko was first charged in January 2020 over alleged irregularities in awarding a revenue collection services contract while governor.
The charges were later amended in September 2020, and the prosecution’s case continued until July 2022 when it closed. In December 2022, the trial court initially acquitted him, citing insufficient evidence.
However, the High Court later overturned the acquittal, ruling that the trial magistrate had erred by evaluating the original charges instead of the amended ones.
The case was referred back to the trial court, where Sonko was formally placed on defence following new submissions by the prosecution in January 2025.
The defence hearing began in May 2025, and Sonko’s testimony on Tuesday marked him as the 21st defence witness. The case remains ongoing, with the court yet to deliver a verdict on the amended charges.