Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Saturday made his first public appearance in as many weeks amid ongoing graft purge against his administration.
The vocal county boss is under EACC radar and has been out of public limelight for several weeks now, even as sleuths continue to investigate his bank accounts.
EACC claims that Sonko has been receiving bribes before issuing tenders, a claim he has vehemently denied, accusing his political detractors of witch-hunt.
While addressing residents of Ruai on Saturday during cleaning exercise, Sonko caused a stir when he refused to read a long speech written in English.
"I have looked around and I cannot see those dignitaries from United Nations and other parts of the world. I can only see locals around. With me I have a long speech in English.
"When I look around, I think I will take a lot of time yet this people have sat here for long. Waziri, kindly take your speech am not going to read it," he said as the crowd cheered him.
Governor Sonko has had previously people challenging his academic achievements, a question he has often rubbished as a non issue, arguing that he's only interested in service delivery.
And in a swipe against his political detractors, Sonko dismissed claims that he has been on the run, insisting that EACC should be given time to investigate corruption claims against him.
"Those claiming that I am hiding should stop stupidity. I am around. Let them allow EACC team to do their work. They should stop spreading gossip."
Early this month, Sonko said he was ready to handover powers at City Hall should the detectives find him on the wrong side of the law on graft claims.
Until now, the first term governor is yet to pick a deputy despite several assurances that he will pick. Former deputy governor Polycarp Igathe resigned after political disagreement with him.