Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko yesterday caused drama in court when he clashed with a man charged with using a fake Facebook account in the politician’s name to con the public.
Mr Joseph Gitau Njoki, who is facing three counts of fraud, however denied impersonating the senator on a Facebook page he called “Mike Sonko Foundation”.
The court was told that Mr Njoki posted a message to solicit funds from the public in return for bigger pay.
“This morning, I have issued cheques worth Ksh6.2 million to Kenyans who sent to me Sh1000 on my M-Pesa line 0713004255. Keep on sending as I will continue giving out millions. To all my fans, comment wisely to avoid to be banned (sic) from this page,” the message presented in court read.
The prosecution said the offence was committed on July 11, 2014 and “caused needless anxiety to the community of Facebook users”.
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Mr Sonko, who was in court to testify against Mr Njoki, men engaged in an exchange of words. Mr Sonko referred to Mr Njoki as a conman and a thief who was out to use my name to cheat Kenyans for his own gain. “That number is not registered in my name. You used my name to open a fake account to con people,” the senator said.
Mr Njoki asked the senator to explain how he realised the account was working and to disclose the relationship between them. Mr Sonko said it was not his duty to know how the account operated but the police who arrested Mr Njoki could give an answer.
The senator said he complained when his Internet account handlers found the online posting alluding to the number as being his. “I don’t know you. You are a thief who preyed on vulnerable Kenyans,” the senator said.
Mr Njoki is also accused of improper use of a licensed telecommunications system and obtaining money by false pretence.
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