U.S Slaps Visa Ban On Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko

U.S has slapped visa restrictions on former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Gidion Mbuvi Kioko and his family members for alleged involvement in significant corruption.

Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson said Tuesday that U.S. Department of State is designating Sonko “due to his involvement in significant corruption” while in office where he 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, Price noted in a statement.

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 also announced 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.

“These designations reaffirm the commitment of the United States to combatting corruption and supporting the rule of law while strengthening democratic institutions in Kenya,” Price said.

He added: “We will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.”

Sonko was arrested in December 2019 on suspicion of involvement in a multi-million-dollar corruption scandal.

He was accused of irregularly awarding tenders to his close aides, forging documents and misappropriating county funds.

In December 2020, he was impeached by members of the county assembly.