Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has filed an application seeking to compel lawyer George Ogolla and Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Lawrence Opondo to testify in the Sh20 million graft case in which he is charged. Sonko’s move comes amid efforts to strengthen his defence by ensuring that key witnesses appear in court and provide evidence relevant to the allegations against him.
Sonko claims that both Ogolla and Opondo hold crucial information that could illuminate aspects of the case, and he wants the court to issue orders compelling their testimony. In the application, the former governor argues that the testimonies of the two individuals are essential for a fair hearing and could materially affect how the case unfolds.
The anti-corruption case centres on accusations that Sonko, during his tenure as Nairobi governor, was involved in corrupt practices related to the alleged irregular payment of Sh20 million. Prosecutors allege that the money was disbursed without proper authority or justification, violations that they say constitute graft under the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Act and other relevant laws.
Sonko’s legal team insists that parts of the prosecution’s case are incomplete without input from Ogolla and Opondo, whom they describe as having had direct involvement in events linked to the disputed transaction. According to the application, Ogolla — a senior lawyer by profession — and Opondo, who was serving at a police station at the time, possess testimony that could clarify the context in which decisions were made and funds were allegedly released.
In court documents, Sonko’s lawyers stressed that their client’s right to a fair hearing includes the ability to call and examine witnesses who may provide exculpatory evidence or help explain circumstances his defence says have been misunderstood or misrepresented. They argue that compelling the two men to testify is consistent with procedural fairness and necessary to avoid prejudice against the accused.
The request to have these individuals testify highlights the broader legal strategy being pursued by Sonko’s defence team, which has repeatedly challenged various aspects of the prosecution’s case, including alleged procedural flaws and questions about evidence integrity. In prior hearings, defence lawyers have sought to introduce documents and testimony aimed at discrediting the prosecution’s version of events or offering alternative explanations for the transactions in question.
Prosecutors have opposed some of Sonko’s requests, arguing that certain lines of inquiry are tangential or irrelevant to the core allegations. They have maintained that the evidence already before the court is sufficient to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, and that unnecessary delays should be avoided. However, courts have acknowledged that questions of witness testimony and fairness must be carefully balanced in a case with significant public interest and serious allegations.
The case has attracted attention not only because of Sonko’s high political profile but also due to ongoing public concern about corruption and accountability in public office. As a former governor, Sonko’s legal battles have been closely watched as part of a broader narrative on how Kenya addresses allegations of misuse of public funds and the strength of its anti-corruption institutions.
If the court grants the orders sought by Sonko, Ogolla and Opondo would be legally required to appear in person and give testimony under oath. Failure to comply could expose them to contempt of court charges, depending on how the court frames its directives. Conversely, if the application is denied, Sonko’s defence may be limited to the witnesses and evidence it has already been permitted to present.
The matter is scheduled for further consideration by the court, where both sides will argue their positions on the necessity and legality of compelling the two men to testify. The outcome could shape the dynamics of the trial and influence how crucial evidence is heard and weighed as the case progresses.
Image by EACC
