Sonko claims 'dirty-minded politicians' blocking him from helping Baby Sagini

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko now claims that some politicians are blocking him from helping Junior Sagini, the baby whose eyes were gouged out by unknown people in Kisii County.

The three-year-old, who is now under protective custody, was left blind after his eyes were removed under unclear circumstances at their home in Ikuruma village on December 13, 2022.

Sonko has since offered to facilitate the boy's treatment at a hospital in Shenzen, China, where he said he had confirmed that Sagini could get restorative surgery to fit him with eye implants.

On Sunday, the former Governor said he has not gained access to Sagini’s family because his efforts had been frustrated by what he called dirty-minded politicians.

“Despite my efforts to help I have not had access to them due to bad politics being played around by some dirty minded politicians who think I'm in this case for PR and political mileage purposes but that won't stop me from pursuing the matter,” tweeted Sonko.

He claimed the baby had already missed two appointments at a Nairobi hospital where a preliminary assessment needed to be done before Sagini could be flown out for surgery.

“Last week Baby Sagini missed two important appointments with Dr. Kishor at the Westlands laser eye hospital coz we wanted the baby's review report to be emailed to China so that we can start the process of flying him there for implant of artificial eyes,” said Sonko.

While maintaining that he will nonetheless ensure that the three-year-old gets help eventually, Sonko added that, “Politicising the issue and denying me access to him and his sister will not stop me from helping.”

Three members of Baby Sagini’s family have since been arrested and arraigned over links to the suspected ritual attack.

Alex Ochogo (Cousin), Pacifica Nyakerario (Aunt) and Rael Nyakerario (Grandma) appeared before a Kisii court, where the prosecution said that they would not proceed to charge the suspects following the absence of interested parties like the children's officer and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

The three were denied bail and remanded at Kisii prisons awaiting the mention of their case on January 18, 2023.