By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Former Nairobi Governor Hon. Sonko can breathe a sigh of relief as the Kahawa Law court on Wednesday granted the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) request to withdraw terrorism charges against him and two of his friends.
The former Governor Hon. Mike Sonko along with Clifford Ouko and Benjamin Onyango Odhiambo who are his friends and former staff were arraigned at Kahawa Law Courts on terror related charges back in 2021.
Sonko was accused of intentionally recruiting unidentified individuals to “commit or participate in the commission of a terrorist act,” hence violating the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012.
“We thank God for this great day, with my co-accused Cliff and Benjamin, we were brought here two years ago accused with an offence of terrorism, and we were branded as very dangerous terrorists. All I can say is that Politics is a very dirty game,” Hon. Sonko expressed.
“I have been an MP for many years, then Senator and again Governor but later I was branded as a terrorist, but today we thank God and also thank the DPP for he has withdrawn our case,” he added.
The ex-Governor was accused of being found in possession of military attire on January 31, 2021, intended for the commission or facilitation of a terrorist act.
His co-accused, Clifford Ochieng, faced charges for possessing a NATO military combat short, a Super Sick military combat shirt, and a pair of military desert camouflage uniforms intended for the commission or facilitation of a terrorist act.
The third accused, Benjamin Odhiambo, was charged with possessing a military camouflage jacket for the commission or facilitation of a terrorist act.
The three of them pleaded not guilty the charges levelled against them.