Sonko tells off Kidero over drug dealing claims
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko on Tuesday came out guns blazing against Governor Evans Kidero, telling him on his face that he should never call him a drug dealer.
The two leaders had accompanied the Deputy President William Ruto to Gikomba market to meet and console an estimated 10, 000 traders who lost property worth millions of shillings in an early morning fire.
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with each other at the podium, Senator Sonko turned to face Governor Kidero, pointed a finger and told him; “Governor mimi si drug dealer (Governor, I am not a drug dealer).”
Mr Kidero, in response, just smiled, as the crowd cheered at the Senator’s remarks.
The Deputy President watched the whole episode unamused.
Senator Sonko proceeded to claim that Governor Kidero’s administration knows the people who set a section of the Gikomba market on fire.
GRAB MARKETS
He claimed that county officials, politicians and businessmen who have been trying to grab markets within the county using the tactic. He then welcomed Mr Kidero to make his remarks
The Governor tactically steered clear of Sonko’s remarks by stating, “Leo tumekuja kuwapatia pole, si wakati wa siasa. (Today we came to console you, its not a time for politics).”
Mr Kidero then went on to state that the county government will help the traders get back on their feet.
As the Governor gave his address, Senator Sonko was restless and kept talking to other leaders who were on the podium.
The Governor has severally been on record referring to Senator Sonko’s philanthropic services as being financed by drug money.
The war of words between the Governor and Senator started in March this year when Kidero threatened to impound the Sonko Rescue Team vehicles.
The emergency services offered by the team have receded although Sonko insists the team is still operational.