Sonko Cleared of Money Laundering, Put on Defence Over Tender Fraud Charges

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Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has been acquitted of money laundering charges in a case linked to the alleged irregular award of a sh14 million tender during his tenure at City Hall.

In a ruling delivered on April 30 ,2026 presiding hon.Isabella Nekesa Barasa found that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Sonko and his co-accused on the money laundering charge.

“Having reviewed that evidence and considered the submissions, the law as well as the authorities cited, I am acquitting on count three. Count three relates to money laundering contrary to Section 3(a)(1) of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.”

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko While addressing the crowd

The court noted that the prosecution had called 10 witnesses and that it had carefully considered their testimony, alongside submissions filed by both the prosecution and the defence.

However, Sonko was not fully cleared. The magistrate ruled that Sonko and his co-accused have a case to answer on four other counts and will be required to defend themselves.

“I am placing the accused persons on their defence in respect to count one, count two, count four and count five,”said the 

The remaining charges include conspiracy to commit an offence, conflict of interest contrary to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, and two counts of acquisition of proceeds of crime.

According to the prosecution, the case arises from the alleged irregular procurement of heavy equipment worth sh14 million in 2018, when Sonko was serving as Nairobi Governor.

Prosecutors contend that the tendering process was manipulated, resulting in the unlawful award of contracts and possible loss of public funds.

The matter will be mentioned on June 4, 2026, in open court for further directions on the defence hearing.

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