Sonko Wants Lawyer Ogola and Capitol Hill OCS Summoned, Says Their Testimony Crucial for Fair Trial in Ksh.20 Million Graft Case

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has asked the anti-corruption court to summon two key witnesses in his Ksh.20 million graft trial. He said their evidence is vital to his defence.

Through his lawyer, Asa Nyakundi, Sonko requested that lawyer Steve Ogola and Capitol Hill Police Station OCS Tusca Opondo be compelled to testify. The defence argued that both witnesses hold critical information central to the case.

Nyakundi said Ogola has three essential documents: a charge sheet, an affidavit of cooperation, and a statement. These, he argued, clarify how the case evolved. One charge sheet was issued before the complainant was listed as a co-accused. Another came after the complainant was dropped. The defence says this sequence raises questions that must be addressed openly in court.

The OCS is expected to produce records linked to statements made by Sonko during investigations. Nyakundi insisted that the evidence goes to the heart of the defence. He added that issuing the summons will not prejudice the prosecution.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said it does not oppose the application. However, it noted that Ogola’s statement has not been supplied. The prosecution requested that it be provided ahead of any testimony. “Request for summons not opposed, but the statement of Steve Ogola has not been furnished to the prosecution. We pray it be supplied,” the ODPP submitted.

Sonko and his co-accused, businessman Erastus Ombok, were placed on their defence in February 2025. The court had found the prosecution had established a prima facie case. They face charges of abuse of office, conflict of interest, money laundering, and acquisition of proceeds of crime. All charges relate to alleged extortion of Ksh.20 million.

The defence maintains that summoning Ogola and the OCS is critical. They say the court must hear their testimony to clarify irregularities. Sonko’s team insists this will ensure a fair trial and a just ruling.