A Nairobi High Court has ruled in favor of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, ordering the release of over Ksh16 million that had been frozen by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA). The agency had seized the funds, held in various bank accounts, alleging they were proceeds of money laundering. However, the court found that ARA had failed to provide sufficient evidence linking Sonko to any criminal activity.
Judge Nixon Sifuna, in his ruling on October 1, 2025, concluded that the evidence presented by ARA did not substantiate claims that the funds were derived from illegal activities. The court emphasized that the documents and proof provided by the agency were inadequate to support its allegations of money laundering or illicit financial dealings.
In addition, the judge pointed out that there was no legal foundation for the case brought against Sonko at the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division. The absence of compelling evidence led to the dismissal of the suit, with costs being awarded to Sonko.
As a result, the court instructed ARA to unfreeze Sonko’s bank accounts and allow him access to the Ksh16 million, unless the funds were being held for some other lawful purpose. The judge further clarified that the preservation orders issued in 2020, which had blocked Sonko’s accounts, were now lifted, and the funds should be returned to him immediately.
In his defense, Sonko explained that the funds in question had been deposited into his accounts long before he entered politics. He argued that he had operated a variety of businesses—including matatu services, nightclubs, restaurants, and real estate—since as early as 2009, long before he became a public figure. Sonko provided documentation of his businesses to support his claims, asserting that the substantial deposits were legitimate earnings from these ventures, rather than illicit proceeds.
The court’s decision to release the frozen funds marks a significant victory for Sonko, as it clears him of the allegations levied by the Assets Recovery Agency.
