Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko received legal relief as the court approved a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw terrorism charges against him and two others on Wednesday.
Sonko, along with Clifford Ochieng Ouko and Benjamin Onyango Odhiambo, faced terrorism-related charges in 2021.
They were arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts, accused of recruiting unknown individuals to partake in or commit a terrorist act, contravening the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012.
Additionally, Sonko faced allegations of possessing military attire on January 31, 2021, purportedly for the commission or facilitation of a terrorist act.
His co-accused, Clifford Ochieng, was charged with possession of a military combat shirt from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a Super Sick military Combat Shirt, and a pair of military desert camouflage uniforms, all allegedly for the commission or facilitation of a terrorist act.
Benjamin Odhiambo, the third accused, faced charges related to possession of a military camouflage jacket for the same purpose.
All three individuals denied the charges leveled against them.
The court’s decision to grant the DPP’s application marks a significant development in the legal proceedings against Sonko and his co-accused.
The withdrawal of terrorism charges brings relief to the defendants, potentially alleviating legal pressure and allowing them to pursue other legal avenues.
The case had garnered public attention due to the prominence of Mike Sonko as a former governor and the serious nature of the charges.
The decision to drop the charges may lead to speculation and debate regarding the circumstances surrounding the case and the reasons for the withdrawal of charges.
Overall, the court’s approval of the application represents a notable turn in the legal proceedings and could have implications for future legal actions involving the defendants.
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