Drama as EACC, police storm Sonko compound for premises search

There was drama on Tuesday at the private office of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko when anti-corruption agency officers attempted to search the premises.

A contingent of more than 30 police officers had accompanied investigators from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to Sonko’s Upper Hill office for an inspection and valuation of the land.

The officers had arrived at around 10am and parked one of their cars on the entrance and used it to scale the gate to access the compound.

However, the officers were repulsed by the governor’s supporters who were already inside the compound. The land is estimated at Sh500 million.

After nearly three hours of a standoff the officers left without achieving their mission.

The investigators informed Sonko’s aides that they had come to conduct a search and assess the actual size of the oneacre plot formerly owned by Kenya Railway pensioners.

The officers brandished a warrant of search issued to EACC investigator Christine Nthiga on June 23 by Nairobi Chief Magistrate court.

The EACC officers also said they had orders to conduct a valuation on the property. They were in company of values from Gimco Valuers.

On June 25 just two days after obtaining the order, EACC assistant director in charge of Forensic Investigations wrote to Kenya Railway Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme requesting them to appoint an officer to join in the valuation process.

On Tuesday, Sonko said he was surprised officers could storm his compound by scaling the gates when no body had stopped them from accessing the property.

“The officers are welcome to conduct their investigations without any showmanship. As a law-abiding citizen, I have cooperated with all the investigations. Let them follow the right procedure and come back,” Sonko said.

He insisted the property under probe was legally acquired from the pension scheme.

The land LR. 209\6507 is owned by KRSBR whereby Sonko insists had entered into an agreement to lease the property in May 22, 2017 for use as office space.