SONKO HIRES 33 POLICEMEN FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT

Beleaguered, ousted ex-Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko hired at least 33 police officers to guard him during a 22-day trip to Mombasa in 2018, a report by the Auditor General has revealed.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu also questioned the use of at least Sh20 billion that allegedly has not properly been accounted for during the 2018-19 financial year.

The former governor paid the high number of guards, Sh4 million public money without authorization, the 2018-19 report reads.

His many guards were despite the State having provided him (like other Governors) round-the-clock protection by a maximum of five armed police officers.

“No documents were availed in support of the payment except an unsigned schedule. In addition, the purpose of the journey and authorization for use of 33 police officers was not explained,” the report read.

During his tenure, Sonko kept a large team of formal and non-formal security officers, besides hangers-on who brandished big guns and other weapons as he was chauffeured either into the city or across the country.

The report exposes financial faux pas during Sonko’s second year at City Hall, exposing billions of shillings of payments made contrary to the law. Over a billion of taxpayers’ money was lost through questionable payments to lawyers.

The Sonko administration paid Sh595.07 million for unjustified legal fees during the chaotic 2018-19 financial year, allegedly to law firms that provided county legal services.

Sonko was impeached by the County Assembly in December 2020 after a two-year chaotic incumbency at City Hall.

The report says Sonko’s administration operated ‘secret’ bank accounts, which accumulated pending bills amounting to Sh70.65 billion.

The accounts also accumulated statutory deductions totaling Sh39 billion.

Meantime, projects worth Sh2.92 billion stalled in one year, denying the city residents the much-needed development.

Sourced From Jalang’o TV