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Elder Lister
Inset: Pictures of ex-governor Sonko and PS Mbaika
Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko and Principal Secretary Terry Mbaika are facing international scrutiny over allegations of fraud involving Ksh 100 million from a foreign airline. Sources indicate that Sonko allegedly received the money from FlyDubai Airlines to sway Mbaika into granting the carrier authorization to operate flights between Dubai and Nairobi. Mbaika, who heads the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, has firmly denied taking any funds from Sonko.
The controversy has strained diplomatic ties between Kenya and Dubai, while also putting the airline in an awkward position, prompting both governments to launch formal investigations. Insiders claim that Sonko admitted to acting as an intermediary for FlyDubai, which was seeking additional landing rights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“When he took the idea to PS Terry, she didn’t ask for paperwork; she allegedly asked for Ksh 100 million cash. No discussion, no shame,” said the source. While Mbaika maintains she never received any payments, she acknowledged that Sonko did approach her about the airline’s request.
Sonko, on the other hand, claims they settled on Ksh 50 million as an initial payment, and that Mbaika allegedly sent businessman James Mbaluka to collect it. He further asserts that he made the payments in four installments, delivered at night at the Sheraton Hotel near JKIA, totaling about USD 400,000.