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Sonko seeks to be released as surety of fugitive MRC leader


Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko wants to be released as a surety for Mombasa Republican Council leader Omar Mwamnuadzi who has failed to attend court.

Mr Sonko said he has cooperated with the court in his efforts to find Mr Mwamnuadzi.

The MRC leader, who is facing a charge of being in possession of a firearm and rounds of ammunitions, has not attended court for almost one year. He has also failed to report to county criminal investigations officer every Monday as spelt out in the terms of his admission to bail.

Through lawyer Jared Magolo, Senator Sonko said he should not be condemned to pay more than Sh40, 000 should the court order forfeiture of the security he deposited to secure the release of Mr Mwamnuadzi.

Mr Magolo told the court that the initial bond seeking to release Mr Mwamunadzi had been set up at Sh1 million, but the amount had over the time reduced to Sh40, 000 in respect to other accused persons.

UNJUST

“Considering the cooperation the surety (Sonko) has given to court, it will be unjust to demand Sh1 million signed in good faith,” said Mr Magolo.

Lawyer Yusuf Aboubakar, representing Mr Mwamnuadzi, told the court that it would be unjust to punish Mr Sonko given his efforts to locate the accused, including searching for him in Tanzania.

“We have taken steps, we have talked to members of the family who are fearful of the whereabouts of the accused,” said Mr Aboubakar.

Mr Aboubakar urged the court to exercise its discretion and direct that the Senator should not be made to pay.

Principal prosecution counsel Jami Yamina asked the court to deal fairly with Mr Sonko since there is no connection between MRC leader’s actions and the Senator.