Court Unfreezes Sonko’s Ksh537 Million Accounts: “This Money Is His Property”

Court Unfreezes Sonko’s Ksh537 Million Accounts: “This Money Is His Property”

In a dramatic legal twist, the High Court has ordered the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) to unfreeze nine bank accounts linked to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. The accounts, holding over Ksh537 million, had been frozen for five years over alleged money laundering.

“Suspicion Is Not Proof”—Judge Rules ARA Failed to Show Evidence

Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Sifuna faulted ARA for failing to prove that Sonko acquired the money illegally.

“Suspicion is not evidence,” the judge stated. “The agency failed to show any criminal origin of the funds,” he added.

Sonko’s lawyer, Harrison Kinyanjui, welcomed the decision, saying the court had finally exposed the truth.

“The Honourable Justice Sifuna has rendered his verdict,” Kinyanjui said. “The frozen funds did not arise from any criminal activity,” he emphasized.

“He Had Businesses Before Politics”—Sonko’s Wealth Not From County Funds

Kinyanjui explained that Sonko had proven he owned businesses and real estate ventures before becoming governor.

“The court found no instance of misappropriation,” he said. “ARA failed to compare his transactions before and after taking office,” he added.

The agency was expected to highlight discrepancies in Sonko’s financial records. However, it failed to present any compelling evidence.

“This Was a Witch-Hunt”—Sonko Claims Case Was Politically Motivated

Sonko has long maintained that the case was part of a plot to tarnish his name and justify his 2020 impeachment.

“So the court has finally said that whatever money had been frozen… is part of his property,” Kinyanjui declared.

He cited Article 40(3) of the Constitution, which protects every Kenyan’s right to own property. However, Article 40(6) excludes illegally acquired assets—something ARA failed to prove.

“Legal Battles Continue”—Sonko Still Faces Other Graft Charges

Despite the victory, Sonko’s legal troubles are far from over. In December 2024, Justice Sifuna overturned his acquittal in a separate Ksh357 million graft case.

Earlier this year, Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki ruled that Sonko had a case to answer in 11 counts involving Ksh24 million. The charges include conflict of interest, abuse of office, and money laundering.

“We will continue to fight these battles,” Kinyanjui said. “Justice must be based on facts, not politics,” he added.

As the dust settles, Sonko regains access to his millions—but remains under scrutiny.

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Court Unfreezes Sonko’s Ksh537 Million Accounts: “This Money Is His Property”