In a compassionate twist, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has withdrawn criminal charges against Tyson Kibet, a 23-year-old student at Kabete National Polytechnic, who had been accused of impersonating Sonko online.
Kibet had created a fake Facebook account under Sonko’s name, using it to mislead people and post explicit content, all in an attempt to make money.
During the court hearing at Milimani Law Courts, Kibet confessed to his actions, admitting that his motivation was purely financial. He expressed regret for his deeds, which he insisted were never intended to harm Sonko’s reputation. In a surprising move, Sonko informed Senior Principal Magistrate Onsarigo that he wished to drop the charges against Kibet.
Sonko explained that his decision was driven by the financial difficulties faced by Kibet’s family, who could not afford the KSh 1 million bond set for his bail. “It makes no sense to keep the boy in custody when his family is already struggling,” Sonko said, adding that he was forgiving Kibet out of his own volition, without any strings attached.
He revealed that he learnt about Kibet after getting numerous complaints from members of the Public.
The student had spent two months in prison as his parents could not afford the bond terms set by the Court.
The court recognized Sonko’s leniency, and the charges were officially withdrawn, marking the end of the legal case. Sonko’s act of forgiveness has given Kibet a reprieve, allowing the young man to focus on his future and learn from his mistakes.
In thanking Sonko, Kibet said he would never repeat the same offence and that he would be a law-abiding citizen.
He pleaded with Sonko to help him secure a job to cater for his financial needs.
The prosecution had alleged that Kibet on November 25, 2023, at an unknown place within the republic of Kenya, intentionally created the said Facebook account with an intent to defraud Kenyans using Mike Sonko’s credentials.
