Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has secured a legal reprieve after the Tax Appeals Tribunal ordered the Kenya Revenue Authority to lift restrictions on his bank accounts.
In orders issued on Friday, the Tribunal directed KRA to withdraw agency notices that had frozen several of Sonko’s accounts held at Equity Bank Kenya Limited, effectively restoring his access to the funds pending the hearing and determination of his tax appeal.
The orders were recorded by consent of both parties, cementing earlier interim relief granted on April 14, when the Tribunal certified the matter as urgent and temporarily barred KRA from enforcing the agency notices. At the time, enforcement actions, including the freezing of the accounts were suspended pending an inter partes hearing set for April 17.
The decision now extends that protection, handing Sonko temporary breathing space as the substantive tax dispute moves forward.
The development comes amid a parallel regulatory probe, with the Central Bank of Kenya opening investigations into Equity Bank over allegations that it failed to comply with a High Court order to lift restrictions on accounts linked to the former governor.
In a letter dated April 16, the regulator confirmed receipt of a formal complaint accusing the bank of defying directives issued by the High Court’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division in proceedings involving the Asset Recovery Agency and Sonko.
CBK said it has sought clarification from the bank and will issue a comprehensive response upon conclusion of its investigations.
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