Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko scored a major legal victory after the High Court threw out an application by the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) seeking to seize Ksh537 million in his bank accounts.

Justice Nixon Sifuna ruled that ARA had failed to present solid evidence linking the funds to money laundering or any illicit dealings. He further directed the immediate release of the frozen cash.

Sonko’s lawyer, Harrison Kinyanjui, welcomed the ruling, stressing that the agency had been unable to prove the former governor looted county coffers during his tenure. He insisted the money was clean and not proceeds of crime.

“The Honourable Justice Sifuna has rendered his verdict on the case launched by ARA against the former governor of Nairobi County, Mike Sonko, in which the ARA had sought to freeze on allegations that he was involved in alleged money laundering and misappropriation of the county of Nairobi funds,” he addressed after the ruling.

The decision marks a huge reprieve for the ex-governor, who has often faced the spotlight over corruption allegations tied to his time at City Hall.