The Professional Criminologists Association of Kenya, in conjunction with Mission Africa has feted Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko for his zealous fight against crime, corruption and terrorism.
The award ceremony which took place on Wednesday night at the PCEA St Andrews Plenary Hall was attended by UK-based operatives.
Sonko’s work in reforming over 50 former gang members and his no-nonsense approach to the fight against graft were instrumental in the award.
The 50 former gang members are now involved in various county projects including Ng’arisha Jiji Initiative, Nairobi River Clean-Up and the Sonko Rescue Team, among others.
The youth earn a decent living through the projects.
Sonko has also been criticized for the high turnover of the staff in his administration, especially in his executive committee.
However, the Governor maintains he will do all it takes to ensure no public resource is stolen.
“They will criticize me as much as they want but my conscience is clear. I will fire anyone who even attempts to steal from public coffers,”
“I am ready to lose friends if it means protecting resources belonging to Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large,” he said.
The Governor has been in the forefront in the recovery of firearms that are in the wrong hands.
His appeal for those possessing firearms illegally to return them for a small reward helped recover about 50 firearms that were unlicensed, stolen or had been hired out by rogue police officers.
Speaking during the two-day workshop meant to equip participants with knowledge on emerging issues in criminal investigations, Sonko said criminals are also innovative.
“We have new types of crime like cyber-crime that investigators in the past did not have to deal with,” he said.
Sonko however said his administration banned the handling of cash within offices, thereby ensuring transparency.