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Former Governor of Nairobi
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Mike Mbuvi Kioko, popularly known as Mike Sonko (born 27 February 1975), is a Kenyan politician, businessman and former Governor of Nairobi City County. He first shot to national prominence in September 2010 when he won the Makadara Constituency by-election on a NARC-Kenya ticket, beating both the incumbent and the ODM challenger in a major upset. Under the 2010 constitution, he went on to become the first Senator for Nairobi in 2013, and later the second Governor of Nairobi after defeating Evans Kidero in the 2017 general election on a Jubilee Party ticket. Sonko is widely recognised for his flamboyant, populist style—gold jewellery, designer outfits and street slang—combined with highly visible welfare and rescue activities targeted at low-income estates. Through initiatives such as the Sonko Rescue Team, he provided quasi-government services including ambulances, water bowsers and hearse services, especially in Nairobi’s informal settlements, bolstering his image as a “man of the people” while also drawing accusations of politicking and duplication of county functions. His political career, however, has been overshadowed by a controversial past, multiple graft cases and a high-profile impeachment in 2020.
MP for Makadara (2010–2013): Won a by-election in 2010, making his debut in national politics.
First Senator for Nairobi (2013–2017): Elected in the 2013 general elections as Nairobi’s inaugural senator under the new constitution — by a wide margin.
Governor of Nairobi City County (2017–2020): Defeated the incumbent to become the second Governor of Nairobi, promising pro-poor policies, slum outreach, service delivery and infrastructure improvements.
Criminal past and prison escape narrative: Long-form investigations and features document his conviction and incarceration at Shimo La Tewa Prison in the 1990s over fraud, followed by a controversial escape and later presidential pardon—episodes he himself has referenced in media interviews, framing his story as one of “reform” from a tainted past.
Multiple corruption and money-laundering cases: Since 2019 he has faced several graft prosecutions, including a KSh 357 million Nairobi County tender case (in which he and co-accused were acquitted in February 2024) and other KSh 20–25 million corruption cases where earlier acquittals have been overturned and retrials ordered by the High Court.
News articles featuring Mike Mbuvi Sonko
Populist philanthropy and street-level politics: Built a reputation for “flashy generosity,” deploying branded ambulances and fire-trucks, delivering social-welfare assistance directly, and cultivating a mass following especially in Nairobi’s informal settlements — a style that redefined urban politics in Nairobi.
Impeachment as Nairobi Governor (17 December 2020): The Senate removed him from office on grounds of abuse of office, gross misconduct and violation of national law, ending his governorship midway through his first term.
US travel ban over “significant corruption” and continuing image battles: In March 2022 the US government designated Sonko (and close family) ineligible for entry over alleged involvement in “significant corruption” during his tenure as governor, while domestic critics also highlight his extravagant lifestyle and erratic public conduct; he continues to deny wrongdoing and portray himself as politically targeted.
