Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, his family banned from entering America

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and his immediate family members have been banned from traveling to the United States over corruption allegations. 

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken while confirming the ban on Tuesday said that Sonko "solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding government contracts to his associates" while he served as Nairobi Governor.

"The U.S. Department of State is designating former-Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Gideon Mbuvi Kioko due to his involvement in significant corruption... His actions undermined the rule of law and the public’s faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions and public processes," reads the statement.

Among those affected by the designation  include's wife Primrose Mwelu Nyamu Mbuvi; his daughters Saumu Agnes Mbuvi and Salma Wanjiru Mbuvi; and Sonko’s minor child.

"This designation is made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021.  Under this authority, designated officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States," added the U.S. Department of State.

"These designations reaffirm the commitment of the United States to combatting corruption and supporting the rule of law while strengthening democratic institutions in Kenya. We will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally."