Sonko wants freeze on bank accounts lifted

The controversial governor of Kenya’s capital Nairobi has asked a court to lift the freeze on his bank accounts.

The Kenyan authorities have frozen five accounts of Mike Sonko that are suspected to be holding proceeds of corruption.

The Asset Recovery Agency, a state agency that recovers proceeds of crime, is investigating the accounts in connection to suspicious transactions at the Nairobi county government.

But Mr Sonko said in his request that he cannot financially support himself, the Star newspaper reports.

The governor’s lawyer has also questioned the validity of the court order used by the agency to freeze the accounts, according to Citizen TV.

Last month Mr Sonko was barred from accessing his office by an anti-corruption court until he is cleared of charges of awarding tenders worth 357 million Kenyan shillings ($3.5m; £2.6m) to his close aides.

He has vowed to fight the allegations, saying they are part of a witch-hunt carried out for political reasons.

The director of public prosecutions Noordin Haji previously said he had enough evidence to prosecute Mr Sonko, and other officials, for money laundering and unlawful acquisition of public property.

Nairobi ward representatives are expected to hold a meeting on Thursday to discuss an impeachment motion against Mr Sonko.