Machakos, August 23, 2023 - Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has made explosive allegations, accusing opposition leader Raila Odinga of betraying him and subsequently contributing to the downfall of his political career, despite the numerous favors he claims to have done for the ODM leader.

Mr. Sonko made these claims during the burial of Ms. Anastasia Musau, the mother of Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya, held in Machakos County on Tuesday.

In his statement, Mr. Sonko revealed that he had carried out several favors for Raila Odinga, including assisting some members of Odinga's family in securing employment opportunities. He cited the case of Ms. Beryl Odinga, whom he claimed to have appointed as the chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company Board. Additionally, Mr. Sonko stated that he had provided positions as chief officers to individuals connected to Odinga.

Mr. Sonko also recounted fulfilling a request from Odinga to construct a borehole in his residence, as well as assisting in the installation of boreholes for private families upon Odinga's request.

However, Sonko asserted that his relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta's government took a downturn, leading to his eventual political downfall. He alleged that despite the favors he had done for Odinga, the opposition leader collaborated with President Kenyatta to orchestrate his impeachment from the position of Nairobi County Governor.

"Despite all the favors I did for him, he still worked with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ensured that I am impeached as the governor of Nairobi," stated Mr. Sonko, expressing his disillusionment with Odinga's actions and labeling him as an unappreciative political leader.

Mr. Sonko's impeachment as Nairobi County Governor transpired in December 2020, as the Senate overwhelmingly voted to remove him from office. Subsequently, he faced legal proceedings over allegations of gross abuse of office.

The allegations by Sonko underscore the complex and often tumultuous nature of political relationships, shedding light on the dynamics between key political figures within Kenya's political landscape.