Police seek to drop Sonko assault case – VIDEO
Coast regional police commander Rashid Yakub has filed an application to drop an assault case against Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko at the Voi Law Court.
The prosecution told the court that the complainant is willing to withdraw the case as he is no longer interested in pursuing it.
Senior Resident Magistrate Frederick Nyakundi said he will rule on the matter on Wednesday.
The charge stemmed from his dramatic arrest last December when the governor had declined to board a police helicopter that was to airlift him to Nairobi for questioning over corruption allegations.
Sonko arrived in Voi, Taita-Taveta County, Monday morning at 9 a.m. where he was expected to face assault, resisting arrest and offensive conduct charges.
Voi Police mounted a roadblock leading to the Voi law court while heavy security was deployed in the area. Only two journalists per media house were allowed in to follow proceedings.
Initially, he was to appear at the Voi court on December 18 but it was postponed after he failed to show up citing health reasons.
He was accused of assaulting Mr Yakub at Ikanga airstrip.
His aides had also confronted police officers while trying to stop them from arresting him.
CORRUPTION CHARGES
In Nairobi, the county boss is facing a Sh357 million graft case with the list of charges including money laundering, receiving bribes and conflict of interest.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and is represented by high-profile team of lawyers including Senators Kipchumba Murkomen, who is the Majority Leader, and Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni).
The role of the two senators in the trial has brought up accusations of conflict of interest since the Senate plays an oversight role for county governors.
Sonko is currently barred by court from accessing his office. This has led to a leadership crisis at City Hall since the devolved unit lacks a deputy governor.