Sonko to remain in hospital as court blocks ATPU from questioning him

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will continue staying in hospital until his health improves.

Kahawa Law Court Magistrate Diana Mochache directed that he should remain at Nairobi Hospital until he is healthy enough to battle the State, whether he should be held for 30 days in a bid for sleuths to investigate terror claims against him.

In court yesterday, the hospital submitted a report indicating that the former Senator should be closely monitored by a doctor.

At the same time, the court directed that Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) should not interrogate him while in hospital. He will return on February 26 for a mention of his case.

Meanwhile, Sonko’s lawyers John Khaminwa and Assa Nyakundi want the investigating officer to appear in court for examination on the allegations that the former governor is linked to terrorism and was wearing military attire.  The State told the court that Chief Inspector Newton Thimangu is out of the country until February 21.

Thimangu claimed that they suspect Sonko is recruiting a militia group to disrupt peace and stability of the nation which could lead to anarchy and civil disobedience.

He claimed the DCI has information that the former governor has been procuring uniforms resembling the military attire which he has been spotted wearing in disregard of laws outlawing wearing of military fatigue.

“It will be in the best interest that this court finds it prudent to grant custodial detention period of 30 days to enable investigations relating to this intelligence information be thoroughly undertaken with a view of preventing, intercepting and or interrupting the criminal understandings by the suspect and his associates to forestall imminent danger,” he claimed.

The governor was present in court, brought by an ambulance from the hospital.

At the same time, the court directed that his aides Clifford Ouko and Benjamin Ochieng should be detained at the Muthaiga Police Station until Friday to allow the State to decide whether to charge them or not.

She directed that they should be released if the State will not have preferred charges against them.

In the case, the State claims Sonko is financing terrorism activities and is in an advanced stage of procuring arms and ammunition using a secret syndicate.