Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has launched a blistering attack on senior officials within his National Economic Development Party (NEDP), accusing some of corruption, exploitation of members and conduct that could bring the young political outfit into disrepute.
At the centre of the storm is suspended NEDP Executive Director Dan Mokua, whom Sonko alleges received money from aspiring political candidates and party members while promising them direct nominations and employment opportunities linked to the party.
Speaking to The Nairobian, Sonko said the matter had already been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and was under active investigation.
“I have personally reported the matter to the DCI. We have received numerous complaints from party members alleging extortion and exploitation,” Sonko said.
According to the former governor, the complaints range from financial impropriety to claims of inappropriate conduct involving party members. He warned that such allegations, if proven, could severely damage the credibility and future of NEDP.
“These are serious accusations that can lead to the downfall of the party if decisive action is not taken,” he stated.
Sonko said Mokua has since been suspended from all official duties pending investigations and is expected to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee to respond to the allegations before a final decision is made.
The NEDP leader further claimed that preliminary internal investigations had uncovered reports of individuals allegedly paying money and receiving receipts that the party now suspects may not have been genuine.
“We established claims that innocent people were asked to part with money and were allegedly issued with fake receipts,” Sonko alleged.
He also disclosed that he first met Mokua through his longtime associate John Nyamu, whom he described as a trusted adviser during his tenure as Nairobi Governor.
“Dr Nyamu introduced him to me several years ago,” Sonko said.
In one of the more sensational claims, Sonko alleged that he had obtained CCTV footage showing Mokua checking into a hotel with two women. While acknowledging that the individuals involved were adults, he argued that leaders associated with the party should conduct themselves in a manner that protects the party’s image.
“They are consenting adults and that is their personal life. However, any conduct that risks tarnishing the name of the party becomes a concern to us,” he said.
Even as he addressed the controversy within his party, Sonko took the opportunity to defend himself against renewed scrutiny over his wealth and the recent public debate surrounding frozen accounts and allegations of money laundering.
The former governor dismissed the claims as recycled political narratives, insisting that investigative agencies had previously cleared him of wrongdoing.
“The EACC cleared me due to lack of sufficient evidence. Many people still rely on old narratives without looking at the actual outcome of the cases,” he said.
Sonko claimed that accusations linking him to money laundering and drug trafficking only surfaced after his political fallout with the previous administration.
“My name was dragged through the mud because of political differences. Those allegations were used to paint a false picture of me,” he said.
He further defended the source of his wealth, pointing to decades of investments in business ventures, including entertainment establishments, travel enterprises and real estate. “I have invested in several businesses over the years. One of my biggest investments was land in Diani which I purchased years ago.
‘‘Today, the value has appreciated significantly. That is how I am able to afford my lifestyle, vehicles and properties,” he explained.
Despite the internal wrangles, Sonko maintained that his primary focus remains building NEDP into a formidable political force capable of championing the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
He pointed to the party’s performance in the recent Kabras by-election, where its candidate finished third despite facing competitors backed by well-funded political machinery.
“We are proud of our performance because we stand for the less fortunate. We will continue fighting for those whose voices are rarely heard,” he said.
Sonko also dismissed speculation linking him to ongoing negotiations with government-aligned political factions, insisting that NEDP remains independent and focused on grassroots mobilization.
The party recently appointed former United Universities president Antony Manyara as Deputy Party Leader as it seeks to strengthen its structures nationwide.
As investigations continue and disciplinary proceedings loom, Sonko says the party is determined to clean house and position itself as a credible alternative on Kenya’s political landscape.