By Andrew Kariuki

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has secured a major legal reprieve after a Milimani Anti-Corruption Court acquitted him of a money laundering charge in an ongoing Ksh14 million corruption case.

In a ruling delivered by Magistrate Isabella Neseka Barasa, the court found that the prosecution had not established the money laundering offence, effectively clearing Sonko on that count.

“I am acquitting on count three… count three relates to money laundering… so count three is acquitted,” the magistrate ruled.

The acquittal marks a significant development in the case, which has been under litigation for years and involved multiple allegations tied to a Nairobi County tender awarded in 2018.

While the court found that there is a case to answer on other counts, the dismissal of the money laundering charge narrows the scope of the accusations facing the former governor.

Sonko has consistently denied all allegations and maintains his innocence as the matter proceeds.

The remaining charges, which the court said require a defence, relate to conspiracy to commit an economic crime, conflict of interest, and alleged acquisition of proceeds of crime.

The case will be mentioned on June 4, 2026 at 9 a.m, when directions will be issued ahead of the defence hearing.