Details have emerged on how Nairobi governor Mike Sonko survived a plot to nab him immediately after his release on Wednesday, after which he was to be charged afresh.
Details indicate that Sonko, who is facing corruption charges, was to be arrested and taken to Voi, where he was arrested last Friday, before a senior state officer intervened.
K24 reports that the county boss caught wind of his pending rearrest, hence his decision to remain within the court even after Justice Douglas Ogoti had released him.
To realize the plot, he was to be escorted to the Wilson Airport by two vehicles and airlifted to Voi on a waiting chopper, before the officer interjected, saying that his continued harassment might affect calm in the county.
Sonko, according to K24, was to spend two more days in police custody; Wednesday and Thursday, with 15 officers on the ground and ready for the job.
The plan was to use four vehicles, two of which would leave earlier, with sirens blazing, to fool his supporters that he has left the court before two others would leave with him to the airport.
While releasing him on an Sh15 million bail, Ogoti ruled that the governor is to keep off his offices and also deposit his travelling documents in court as bail terms.
“I am of the considered opinion that all the accused persons are admitted to bail terms. These bail terms must be adhered to the letter. Any violation shall lead to the cancellation of the bail terms,” the court ruled.
After his release, Sonko spent some time in the court basement before leaving, and now joins Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu) and Moses Lenolkulal (Samburu), who have also been locked out of their offices over graft claims.
It's worth noting that after his Friday arrest, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced plans to give him additional charges of assaulting a police officer during the dramatic nabbing.