Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has issued a stern warning to The Standard newspaper, threatening legal action over a front-page headline that he claims unfairly linked him to corruption.
The August 13 issue of the daily featured Sonko’s image alongside Ferdinand Waititu, the recently jailed former Kiambu Governor; Okoth Obado, former Migori Governor; and Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal, former Samburu Governor, all of whom have faced corruption charges. The headline, “Devolved Corruption… 12 Years Later”, showed Sonko and Waititu in handcuffs, a depiction the former governor described as misleading and defamatory.
“I want them to show exactly where I was corrupt, how I was corrupt, and when I was convicted, like the rest of the people they have named in that story,” Sonko stated, accusing the paper of “poor journalism screaming for attention without evidence.”
While acknowledging that he has faced two separate graft cases, Sonko clarified that he has never been convicted. One case, involving Ksh357 million, ended in acquittal due to insufficient evidence. The other, a Ksh20 million case, is still ongoing after his earlier acquittal was overturned on appeal.
He accused the publication of violating Article 50(2) of the Constitution, which upholds the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. “This is irresponsible reporting that misleads the public and tarnishes reputations without cause,” he added.
In a sharp turn, Sonko also took aim at The Standard’s internal affairs, alleging unpaid salaries, unremitted statutory deductions, and pension contributions affecting both current and former employees. He urged the media house to “focus on uniting Kenyans” and address its internal challenges instead of tarnishing public figures.
If Sonko proceeds with his legal threat, the case could reignite debate on media responsibility, ethical reporting, and the balance between press freedom and protecting reputations in Kenya’s heated political environment.
