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Flamboyant Senator Sonko now a graduate


He isn’t your ordinary politician. Nor is he the ordinary university graduate. In his characteristic flamboyance, Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko on Saturday arrived for his graduation at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) in Meru in three choppers and a fleet of flashy vehicles.

A pamphlet for the university’s 15th graduation ceremony showed Mike Sonko Mbuvi Kioko graduated with a Second Class Honours Upper Division degree in Business Administration.

Mr Sonko was accompanied by his wife Primrose, his daughters and Baby Satrine Osinya who was thrust into the limelight after he was injured in an attack at the Joy in Jesus International Ministry Church in Likoni, Mombasa in 2014.

Deputy President William Ruto (right) congratulates Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko as Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi looks on during the 15th graduation of Kenya Methodist University in Meru. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL
Deputy President William Ruto (right) congratulates Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko as Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi looks on during the 15th graduation of Kenya Methodist University in Meru. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL

Clad in a blue shirt, a stripped red tie and black leather shoes with a brown shade and a graduation gown, the senator was the centre of the attraction during the ceremony that was graced by Deputy President William Ruto and other politicians.

As Mr Sonko arrived at the main graduation square at around 10:30 am accompanied by former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua, photojournalists jostled to get the best shots.

EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP

Mr Sonko later refuted claims that he acquired the degree in the quest to unseat Dr Evans Kidero as the Nairobi governor.

“I acquired wealth when I was a teenager and despised education which was a wrong decision. I have realized to be a true leader, education is a prerequisite. Without education, leadership will be very difficult,” he said.

The senator said he would further his education and will soon enroll for his masters classes.

Lisa Mukami (right) and her sister Laurine Muthoni (third right) pose for a picture with Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko (second right) and former MP Simon Mbugua during the 15th graduation of Kenya Methodist University in Meru. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL
Lisa Mukami (right) and her sister Laurine Muthoni (third right) pose for a picture with Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko (second right) and former MP Simon Mbugua during the 15th graduation of Kenya Methodist University in Meru. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL

In his speech, Deputy President William Ruto said universities in the country should refrain from becoming ethnic bastions and instead help embrace cohesiveness.

Mr Ruto said the government was working to stop universities from becoming incubators  tribalism.

“The government expects that universities must run away from the culture of tribalism and their management should respect and reflect the national image,” Mr Ruto said.