How Mike Sonko made his first Million

 

Sonko's first million.

Mike Sonko, whose full name is Mbuvi Gideon Kioko, is a Kenyan politician and businessman who served as the second governor of Nairobi County from 2017 to 2020. He has been involved in various business ventures over the years, and there are different stories about how he made his first million.

One of the most commonly cited stories is that Sonko started his business career by selling second-hand clothes, commonly known as "mitumba," in the streets of Nairobi. He is said to have saved up enough money from this venture to start a small matatu (minibus) transport business.

According to some reports, Sonko was able to expand his matatu business rapidly by using his connections in the political world. He allegedly secured lucrative transport contracts from government agencies and politicians, which helped him to quickly grow his wealth.

In addition to his transport business, Sonko has also been involved in real estate, construction, and other businesses over the years. Some sources suggest that he made his first million through a combination of these ventures, rather than from a single source.

It's worth noting that Sonko's business practices and sources of wealth have been controversial, and he has faced numerous allegations of corruption and unethical behavior throughout his career.

Sonko's business practices have been the subject of controversy and scrutiny, and he has faced numerous allegations of corruption and unethical behavior throughout his career. In 2010, he was arrested and charged with various offenses related to his business dealings, including illegal possession of firearms, tax evasion, and bribery. He was later acquitted of some of the charges, while others were dropped.

Despite the controversies surrounding his business dealings, Sonko has remained a popular figure in Kenyan politics, particularly in Nairobi. He served as the Member of Parliament for Makadara Constituency from 2010 to 2013 before becoming the first Senator for Nairobi County in 2013. In 2017, he was elected as the governor of Nairobi County.

As governor, Sonko continued to be involved in business and was accused of using his political power to benefit his personal interests. In December 2019, he was arrested and charged with various offenses related to corruption and misuse of public funds. He was later impeached by the Nairobi County Assembly and removed from office in December 2020.

In conclusion, while there are different stories about how Mike Sonko made his first million, it is clear that he has been involved in various business ventures over the years. However, his business practices have been controversial, and he has faced numerous allegations of corruption and unethical behavior throughout his career.

It's worth noting that Sonko's controversial business dealings have not only attracted attention in Kenya but also globally. For instance, in 2017, he was listed among the high net worth individuals globally, whose wealth was under investigation for corruption by the United States government. This is an indication that his business dealings have not only affected his reputation locally but also internationally.

Sonko's rise to wealth and fame has been characterized by his charisma and flamboyant lifestyle. He is known for his flashy dressing, expensive jewelry, and lavish parties. However, his flashy lifestyle has not always been well-received, particularly among the ordinary Kenyans who have accused him of flaunting his wealth while the majority of the population live in poverty.

Despite the controversies surrounding his business dealings, Sonko has remained a popular figure among some sections of the Kenyan society, particularly in Nairobi. His supporters have lauded him for his philanthropic activities, including supporting the education of disadvantaged children and the elderly. However, his critics have accused him of using philanthropy as a cover-up for his corrupt activities.

In conclusion, while there are different stories about how Mike Sonko made his first million, it is clear that his business dealings have been the subject of controversy and scrutiny throughout his career. While he has been involved in various business ventures over the years, his business practices have been characterized by allegations of corruption and unethical behavior.