Huge Relief To Sonko After Court Of Appeal Ruling On Multi-Million Frozen Assets
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko broke into a song of thanksgiving moments before addressing the public following a major court victory over his frozen assets.
In a video posted on Wednesday from his office, Sonko is heard singing, “Hakuna Mungu kama wewe ewe Mungu wangu, nasema asante ewe Mungu wangu”.
This set a reflective and emotional tone before speaking about his case.
He then addressed his supporters, expressing gratitude to God and those who stood by him during the years-long legal battle.
“I don’t want to say much, I know you understand why I am thanking God and why I am happy today,” he said, before referencing the Bible.
Quoting Luke 6:38, Sonko said, “Give, and it shall be given back to you.”
He then added that he was thankful for what he described as a miracle after years of struggle in court and those who prayed for him.
Sonko explained that he had endured a difficult six-year period pursuing justice, maintaining that even if further legal action is taken, his belief in God remains unshaken saying his faith remained strong and the outcome reaffirmed his faith.
“Six years of waiting. Six years of fighting. Six years of suffering. Today, I thank God justice has prevailed,” he said.
“God is great, and His timing is perfect. I’m also grateful to the courts for judging based on facts and evidence, not personal hate.”
“Special thanks to my lawyer, Harrison Kinyanjui, for never giving up on me, unlike those who abandoned me when I was ‘illegally’ impeached. God is watching and justice will always prevail.”
The former governor said despite the relief, he would not rush to access the money held in various bank accounts.
He referenced a verse from the Quran, noting his Muslim background through his mother and said he still remembers the teaching, underscoring his message of gratitude and faith.
His remarks came a day after the Court of Appeal dismissed an application by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) that sought to block him from accessing his bank accounts.
The agency had filed the application on January 22, seeking to suspend a High Court decision delivered on October 1 last year by Justice Nixon Sifuna, which had dismissed its case against Sonko.
In that ruling, the High Court found that ARA had failed to prove that the funds in Sonko’s accounts were proceeds of crime, citing gaps in investigations, lack of witness statements and unverified documents.
ARA had argued before the appellate court that preservation orders on the funds should remain in force pending the determination of its appeal, relying on provisions of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
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However, Sonko’s lawyer opposed the application, arguing that the law does not allow a stay of execution where a court has merely dismissed a case.
The Court of Appeal agreed, stating that there was no positive order to enforce since the High Court had only dismissed the suit.
The judges further questioned the basis of ARA’s application, noting that if preservation orders automatically remain in force, there would be no need to seek a stay.
In its ruling, the three-judge bench concluded that the application lacked merit and dismissed it with costs awarded to Sonko.
The decision effectively allows the former governor access to funds held in multiple accounts, estimated at Sh537 million, bringing to a close a key phase in the protracted legal dispute.
Huge Relief To Sonko After Court Of Appeal Ruling On Multi-Million Frozen Assets
