Sonko: I’m ready to step aside for Esther Passaris probe

Nairobi Governor Mike ‘Sonko’ Mbuvi is ready to step-aside from his office if the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) determines if he has a case to answer regarding utterances made against his Women Representative Esther Passaris.

This comes after the EACC summoned Governor Sonko to record his statement that will facilitate investigations on Ms Passaris unpaid per diem  for a trip that she attended in New York in March 2018.

“The EACC is investigating allegations on your conduct as a State Officer regarding public utterances you made against against Hon Esther Muthoni Passaris, Women Representative Nairobi County on 1st May 2019 at Pumwani Grounds and he unpaid per diem for a trip she attended in New York on 62nd commission conference on Status of Women that was held on 23rd March 2018,” read the letter.

Mr Sonko who acknowledged the call said, “I will be honouring the said summons by individually presenting myself to Integrity Centre.”

He added that despite the claims of unpaid per diems, his administration paid for Ms Passaris air ticket to New york and before that Viena. 

“I want to categorically state that, in the event it is established that I have a case to answer before the law, I am ready to step aside to allow the EACC complete investigations and determination of the matter,” wrote Governor Sonko on his official Facebook account.

{ Read: Sonko claims he’s worth more than Nairobi’s Sh32 billion annual budget }

He however, warned cartels that he will be monitoring projects he initiated even in absence.

“I know many cartels will celebrate this move and think of coming back to swindle public funds but poleni sana (So sorry) I shall still be monitoring all the projects I initiated closely during my absence from office,” he added.