Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has scored a major victory after the High Court dismissed an application by the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) seeking to freeze KSh 537 million in 9 bank accounts.
In the ruling, the court ordered ARA to immediately release the funds, noting that the agency had failed to provide sufficient evidence linking the money to money laundering.
Sonko’s Lawyer, Harrison Kinyanjui, who denied allegations of corruption and financial impropriety for his client during court proceedings, welcomed the decision as a vindication of his position.
Justice Nixon Sifuna has consequently ordered ARA to release the frozen amount to Sonko forthwith.
This comes a year after the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has once again been put on the spot by an anti-corruption court for bungling yet another high profile case.
Milimani magistrate Eunice Nyutu expressed her frustrations over dereliction of duty by the ODPP, saying it is high time regulations were enacted to rein in on prosecutors who neglect their duties.
Nyutu made the remarks as she acquitted Sonko and 16 others who had been accused of conspiring to corruptly embezzle Sh357,390,299.95 from Nairobi City government between May 24, 2018 and March 28, 2019.
The magistrate took issue with the prosecution for failing to conduct the case in a manner that promotes public interest.
