A Nairobi court ruled that prosecutors failed to present enough evidence to prove the charge against him.
Senior Principal Magistrate Isabella Nekesa Barasa delivered the ruling on Thursday after reviewing the evidence presented during the trial.
Court clears Sonko on money laundering charge
The court found that the prosecution did not establish a prima facie case on the money laundering count.
The charge formed the third count in the case.
“Having reviewed that evidence and considered the submissions, I am acquitting on count three. Count three relates to money laundering contrary to Section 3(a)(1) of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act,” Magistrate Barasa ruled.
The decision means Sonko will not face trial on the money laundering allegation.
Sonko to defend remaining charges
Although the court cleared Sonko on one charge, it found that he and his co-accused have a case to answer on four other counts.
The magistrate directed the accused persons to defend themselves against count one, count two, count four and count five.
The remaining charges include conspiracy to commit an offence, conflict of interest, and two counts involving alleged acquisition of proceeds of crime.
Case linked to KSh14 Million county tender
The case relates to the 2018 procurement of heavy equipment worth KSh14 million during Sonko’s tenure as Nairobi Governor.
Prosecutors claim officials manipulated the tender process and awarded contracts unlawfully.
They also allege that the process caused a possible loss of public funds.
The prosecution presented 10 witnesses before closing its case.
Both sides later filed submissions on whether the accused persons should answer to the charges.
Defence hearing set for June
The court will mention the matter on June 4, 2026.
The parties will receive further directions before the defence hearing begins.
