An audio recording of a detailed conversation between former Nairobi County Governor Michael Mbuvi Sonko and JamboPay director Danson Muchemi was played in the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court during a defence hearing of a Ksh20 million graft case involving Sonko and businessman Anthony Ombok Jamal. The fifty‑seven minute sixteen second clip, captured on January 1, 2019 at Sonko’s Kanamai residence in Kilifi County, was created after he sought police assistance to document an anticipated bribery approach.
Chief Inspector Kiptoo Kisoroi, then a Police Constable attached to the DCI Mtwapa office, testified that he and a colleague were dispatched when the former governor reported Muchemi’s impending visit to discuss revenue matters. Following a briefing by the Deputy DCIO, an occurrence book entry (OB 35/10/01/2019) was recorded. Officers supplied a Sony ICD‑PX470 audio recorder (serial number 1161788), instructed Sonko in its operation, and concealed themselves in an adjacent room while monitoring events.
During playback before Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki, a voice attributed to Muchemi outlined a proposal promising Sonko between Ksh3 million and Ksh5 million per day if allowed to “work with” the county’s digital revenue system. The speaker asserted that the platform had already yielded clandestine personal gains during the previous administration under Governor Evans Kidero and suggested similar benefits could resume through renewed collaboration.
The conversation referenced extensive cartel influence and entrenched corruption at City Hall, claiming that firm internal control would be required to stem leakages. According to Kisoroi, the dialogue simultaneously presented an inducement and an effort by Sonko to understand operational mechanics, including alleged duplication of receipts to extract additional funds beyond legitimate remittances.
Under cross‑examination by defence counsel Assa Nyakundi, Kisoroi stated he could recognise the voices of Sonko, Muchemi, and former Nairobi County Majority Leader Abdi Guyo, now Isiolo County Governor. He maintained the audio supported an assertion that daily kickbacks linked to a prospective revenue tender were being actively negotiated rather than cited only as speculative figures.
Kisoroi produced the disc and requested formal admission, saying it illuminates suspected methods of corrupt skimming and the scale of financial incentives allegedly contemplated. Proceedings concentrated on authenticity, chain of custody, and contextual relevance, with the witness emphasising that the material demonstrates an alleged offer rather than a completed unlawful payment. Further examination is expected in subsequent sessions as the defence phase advances. Additional witnesses may follow thereafter.
