Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has questioned why the US government has designated his family and himself as persona non grata because of his alleged involvement in’significant corruption’ while in office.
While admitting to being surprised by the US move, Sonko alleged in a statement addressed to newsrooms that Washington’s decision was State-sanctioned in an attempt to hinder his political ambitions ahead of the August elections.
Sonko has previously stated that he intends to run for governor in the 2018 general elections.
Sonko had previously hinted that he will seek to reclaim his governorship seat in the upcoming General elections.
“I am indeed shocked by the move taken by the U.S. Department of State to designate My Family and I in what they allege as involvement in significant corruption in Kenya,” the statement read in part.
“This is a strategic political move to silence me and curb my political ambitions but I will never be cowed.”
To further his case, Sonko pointed out that while a number of local politicians are currently facing graft-related accusations in court, they have not received the same punishment as his family and himself.
“Am I the only politician facing corruption case in Kenya? The Judiciary is currently addressing over 400 cases of corruption 20 out of which are facing politicians,” he said
“The move is obviously motivated by my political rivals to deny my right as a Kenyan Citizen.”
He further stated that no court has yet found him guilty of the alleged crimes, challenging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to show evidence linking him to the purported crimes.
“I respect the rule of the law and I have faith in our judiciary. I am sure and ready to prove that I am not corrupt,” he added.
The former governor also urged the judiciary, through Chief Justice Martha Koome, to expedite any graft cases that are now pending in court in order to prevent future incidents.
Sonko and his immediate family were previously ruled unable to visit the United States of America by the US Department of State, following allegations that he “solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding government contracts to his allies” while serving as Nairobi Governor.
