BY PETER KARANJA
The United States of America has banned the former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and his immediate family members from traveling into US over his involvement in graft.
US Department of State issued a statement on Tuesday 8, 2022, where they accused Sonko of receiving bribes and kickbacks in exchange for government contracts during his time in office.
“Sonko’s actions undermined the rule of law and public’s faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions and public processes,” the statement read in part.
“These designations reaffirm the commitment of the United States to combating corruption and supporting the rule of law while strengthening the democratic institutions in Kenya.
The statement read: “We will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.”
Those in Sonko’s family who will not travel in the US include his wife Primrose Mbuvi, his daughters; Saumi Agnes Mbuvi and Salma Wanjiru Mbuvi, and Sonko’s minor child.
Sonko who is currently facing graft cases in court however accused the US government of playing politics, stating that he read mischief in the ban.
Sonko said: “Why is this coming out a day after I said that I’ll be defending my seat in August? Why are the biggest known thieves of COVID-19 and KEMSA being spared and they are the ones who have committed the biggest economic crimes in the country?”
The announcement by the US State Department came just a day after Sonko made it clear that he would be seeking to recapture his Gubernatorial seat in the August 9 polls.
“None of my family members was ever awarded any tender by the county when I was in office and it’s in the public domain, the embassy should come out publicly and tell Kenyans the truth.
“My wife and kids have never supplied even a spoon or toilet paper to city hall either directly or indirectly,” wondered Sonko.