Court refuses to order Sonko’s 30-day detention over terror links

By Franklin Walla

The Kahawa Law Courts on Thursday, February 4 refused to issue immediate orders for the 30-day detention of ex-governor Mike Sonko over his alleged involvement in financing terror activities in Kenya.

While deferring hearing the application to Tuesday, February 9, Kahawa Magistrate Diana Kavedza said it would be unfair to issue instant orders for Sonko’s detention, yet the accused was not given enough time to mount a defense.

The DCI had moved to court Wednesday seeking to detain the former Nairobi governor for a month as they investigate how he acquired, among others, military uniform that he was previously pictured sporting in public.

Magistrate Kavedza said terrorism “is not a simple case”, and therefore both parties should be given adequate time to prepare.

Sonko remains in custody until Tuesday, February 9, when a Kiambu court will rule whether he should be released on cash bail, or not. The ex-governor is in custody for Ksh10 million corruption charge, among other alleged offences.

More soon.