US Bans Sonko, Family From Entering America Over Graft Dealings

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Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and his family have been banned from visiting the United States of America.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 8th March, State Department Secretary Antony Blinken said that Sonko has been suspended due to his involvement in significant corruption.

“While in office, Governor Sonko solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding government contracts to his associates. His actions undermined the rule of law and the public’s faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions and public processes,” read a statement by the Department

This designation is made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021.

“Under this authority, designated officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States. The Department of State is also announcing the designation of the following members of Sonko’s immediate family: his wife Primrose Mwelu Nyamu Mbuvi; their daughters Saumu Agnes Mbuvi and Salma Wanjiru Mbuvi; and Sonko’s minor child,” added Blinken.

“These designations reaffirm the commitment of the United States to combatting corruption and supporting the rule of law while strengthening democratic institutions in Kenya. We will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.”

The announcement comes after Sonko declared that he is in the race to reclaim his seat in the 9th August general election. He said he will move to the Supreme Court to challenge his impeachment.

“I will be moving to the Supreme Court by tomorrow (today) morning. My notice of appeal is even ready. The law is very clear – you have to exhaust all avenues of appeal. If I don’t proceed with the appeal, then it means I cannot vie,” Sonko was quoted as saying by the Daily Nation.

“I was removed by the system, cartels and deep state and not rejected by the people. There are rumours all over but my resolve is to go back to the people and let them reject me or elect me back to my seat.”

Sonko was kicked out in December 2020 over claims of abuse of office, gross violation of the law, committing a crime under the national and international laws, and lacking the capability to run the county government.

The post US Bans Sonko, Family From Entering America Over Graft Dealings appeared first on LitKenya.

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