Sonko moves to block degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is moving to court seeking to halt the proposed degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station. 

Sonko warned that the move would severely compromise security in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area.

Sonko said he had instructed his lawyers to urgently file a petition challenging the decision, citing constitutional provisions including Articles 22, 23, 10, 247 and 258 of the Constitution of Kenya.

“As a resident of Upper Hill, and pursuant to the Constitution, I have instructed my lawyers to move to court with urgency to challenge and block the proposed degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station,” Sonko said. “We cannot and will not allow the security of Upper Hill to be compromised.”

The former governor described Upper Hill as a critical nerve centre of the country, hosting key government offices, financial institutions, hospitals, courts and diplomatic missions.

He argued that the removal or downgrading of the police station would expose the area to heightened security risks.

“Upper Hill is not just any location; it is a critical nerve centre of our nation,” he said. “Weakening security in such a strategic area is not just reckless-it is a grave risk to lives, critical institutions, and the economic stability of our country.”

Upper Hill is home to major institutions, including Milimani Law Courts, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and top-tier hospitals such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital.

The area also hosts the headquarters of leading banks and insurance firms, alongside international hotels and government ministries.

Sonko further noted that embassies and religious institutions, as well as prominent schools and commercial hubs, are concentrated in the area, making it a high-security zone that requires constant policing presence.

Beyond security concerns, Sonko raised legal issues tied to ongoing court cases in which he is involved. He said the Capitol Hill Police Station holds critical records that are central to proceedings before the courts.

“Capitol Hill Police Station holds crucial records, including OB No. 17/26/07/2025, which I rely on in my ongoing case,” he said.

“The OCS has already testified, more officers are expected to testify, and there is a real possibility that the court may need to visit the station physically.”

He added that another matter in which he is the complainant, reported under OB No. 02/17/01/2026, is currently under investigation at the same station, raising concerns over continuity and integrity of evidence should the station be degazetted.

“Any attempt to remove or weaken this vital security installation is a direct threat to justice, public safety, and the rule of law,” Sonko said.

“We must stand firm. We must protect our people. We must defend our institutions. And we must do so at all costs,” he added.