The Court of Appeal has declined to suspend a High Court ruling that ordered the unfreezing of assets belonging to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
This was after considering an urgent application by ARA seeking stay orders to halt the High Court decision pending the hearing and determination of its appeal.
ARA had written to Equity Bank directing the lender to maintain the freeze on Sonko’s accounts, citing ongoing legal proceedings and preservation orders linked to the appeal.
The agency indicated that the High Court had issued interim orders on October 14, 2025, staying execution for 30 days to allow it to move to the Court of Appeal and instructed the bank not to release the funds while the appeal was pending.
Court of Appeal Declines petition by ARA to block Sonko from accessing his assets
ARA subsequently filed Civil Appeal No. E923 of 2025, challenging the High Court judgment delivered on October 1, 2025.
However, the three-judge bench declined to grant the orders, effectively allowing the earlier High Court ruling to remain in force.
The assets had previously been frozen as part of investigations by ARA under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).
By refusing to grant a stay, the Court of Appeal left the High Court order intact, meaning the directive unfreezing the funds remains valid for now.
The court ruling will now allow Sonko access to the money unless the appellate court reaches a different determination when the substantive appeal is heard.
