For 10 years at the heart of Nairobi tough politics, embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken political giants head-on.
The first political casualty of the flamboyant County chief was then Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo.
While making his first attempt in the murky world of politics in 2009, the little-known generous man threw himself into the ring to contest the Makadara MP seat following the nullification of Ndolo's election.
His choice of NARC Kenya as his political vehicle notwithstanding, he trounced the giant of Nairobi, Ndolo of ODM. That marked the beginning of Sonko, who would later dominate city politics.
As his popularity soared and hoping to spread his political tentacles, he went for Nairobi Senator seat in 2013, where he easily trounced another veteran of Nairobi politics, Elizabeth Ongoro.
Quickly, came 2017. And at the height of popularity, Sonko's quest for Nairobi Governor seat met little resistance. He easily sent home the incumbent, Evans Kidero of ODM. But before that, in the Jubilee party nominations, he overcomes political heavyweights including respected former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and another former lawmaker Margaret Wanjiru.
With no management background, Sonko had roped in polished technocrat Polycarp Igathe as his deputy. However, their political marriage was short-lived as Igathe resigned three months later.
Then came the fall of Sonko. His leadership style was questioned. He sacked his Ministers as he wished. The County Assembly became dysfunctional after the impeachment of Speaker Beatrice Elachi.
Former Sonko political colleagues including Senator Johnson Sakaja turned against him. From there, it became clear that Sonko's fall was just a matter of time.
His dramatic arrest on Friday over corruption allegations could be the last nail on the coffin.
As to whether he will weather the storm after the Friday event remains to be seen. For now, Sonko's time in politics could be up.
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