Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has moved to bolster his defence in the ongoing KSh20 million graft case, asking the anti-corruption court to compel two key witnesses to testify, saying their evidence could significantly influence the outcome of the trial.
Sonko wants the court to summon lawyer Steve Ogola and Capitol Hill Police Station OCS Tusca Opondo, arguing that they hold material evidence central to his defence.
Appearing before the court through his advocate Asa Nyakundi, Sonko maintained that the two witnesses would help clarify how the case against him evolved, particularly in relation to charge sheets and cooperation documents generated during investigations.
“OCS Capitol Hill police station and counsel Steve Ogola to produce crucial evidence made by the 1st accused person. Ogolla will produce three crucial documents, Charge sheet, the affidavit of co-operation and a statement.
“Application is supported by the interest of justice that they be summoned to testify , they are crucial witnesses to the fair presentation of the first accused person defence and their testimony will enable the court to arrive at a just determination. No prejudice will be occasioned to the insurance of summons,”court was told
Nyakundi told the court that Ogola is in possession of three critical documents, including two charge sheets and an affidavit of cooperation.
According to the defence, one charge sheet was drafted before the complainant was listed as a co-accused, while another was issued after the complainant was dropped from the case, a sequence Sonko says raises questions that must be interrogated in open court.
The defence further wants the OCS at Capitol Hill Police Station compelled to produce records and evidence linked to statements made by Sonko during investigations.
“This evidence goes to the heart of the first accused person’s defence and is necessary for the court to arrive at a fair and just decision,” Nyakundi submitted, adding that issuing the summons would not prejudice the prosecution in any way.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said it did not oppose the application but pointed out that it had not been furnished with Steve Ogola’s statement, which it said it would require ahead of any testimony.
“Request of summons not opposed, but just to indicate the statement of Steve Ogola has not been supplied to the prosecution. We pray the same be supplied to us,” prosecution submitted.
Sonko and his co-accused, businessman Erastus Ombok, were placed on their defence in February 2025 after the court found the prosecution had established a prima facie case.
The pair face charges including abuse of office, conflict of interest, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime, all linked to the alleged extortion of KSh20 million.
