He emerged from "nowhere". But for 9 years, embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has emerged as one of the most popular politicians in the history of city politics.
Nairobi is one of the most competitive political arenas in the country. Here, only the brave survive. And Sonko is one such brave man.
With "Eastlands" being his main political base in the capital, his ascension to the high office was never in doubt. Majority of Nairobi's voting population is that of the downtrodden.
Known for his generosity and willingness to stand with his supporters in all situations, Sonko suddenly became a household name in the capital where many political careers have been made and destroyed.
After humbling Reuben Ndolo in the Makadara by-election in 2010, Sonko was officially ushered into the life of city politics. He took the heavyweights head-on. Literally, he became unstoppable.
While running political and philanthropic life in tandem, his political base broadened and his popularity soared.
In 2014, following a ministerial directive to demolish some structures in South B area of the capital, in the presence of the then Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei, Sonko would call President Uhuru Kenyatta asking him to intervene to stop the demolitions. The President acted. No structure was brought down. That alone was a big political win for the "man of the people".
At a time he had differences with former Governor Evans Kidero, Sonko would go on to form the Sonko Rescue Team which started offering essential services to Nairobi residents for free. To many, it was akin to running a parallel county government.
With his fate now hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen what future holds for Sonko.
Whatever his fate may be, Sonko will truly remain one of the most charming and popular politicians Nairobi has ever proud. His generosity could make him build one of the most successful yet controversial political careers in one of the most unlikely places; Nairobi, Kenya's seat of power.
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