Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been handed a reprieve after the Director of Public Prosecutions tabled an application to withdraw the assault charges against him.
The county boss had travelled to Voi Law Court to respond to assault charges filed by Coast regional police commander Rashid Yakub.
Senior resident magistrate Fredrick Nyakundi said that the office of the prosecution had indicated that it is no longer interested in pursuing the matter.
The county boss had been accused of assaulting a police officer at 12.30 pm contrary section 103 of the National Police Service Act 2011 after DPP Noordin Haji ordered for his arrest over the alleged embezzlement of Sh. 357 million.
The State Counsel had lined up four witnesses in the case including Ibrahim Ahmed, James Mwanzia, Fred Sabai, Stephen Mtawa and Michael Muriithi.
Police Spokesperson Charles Owino had faulted Sonko of being abusive and violent during his arrest, adding he gave police officers a hard time when they attempted to arrest him.
“Due to Sonko’s lack of cooperation during the arrest, the National police have resolved to file extra charges against the Governor,” he said.
The governor has maintained that he is innocent even as the DPP digs deeper. He is facing 19 charges of corruption, irregular payments and abuse of office.
The county boss had attributed his woes to his political stand. The withdrawal comes a week after he nominated Anne Mwenda Kananu as his Deputy.
DPP Haji, however, termed the nomination unlawful and went ahead to file an application seeking for the cancellation of his bail term.
"Sonko cannot purport to have the powers to name a deputy while his case is still active. His action is null and void," cautioned Haji.