Pages

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Mike 'Sonko': I'm not as wealthy as people think

By Athman Amran


When I finally caught up with him after almost a week of trying to pin him down for an interview, Makadara MP-elect Mike Mbuvi Kioko aka Sonko was still reluctant to disclose how much he spent on the campaigns.

But the flashy 35-year-old politician talked to The Standard On Sunday on how he accumulated his wealth and how he nearly failed to get a ticket to vie for the Makadara parliamentary seat on grounds he was a non-starter.

Makadara MP-elect Mike Kioko Mbuvi. Photo: File/Standard


The parties that dismissed him were Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM, Water Minister Charity Ngilu’s Narc, Kilome MP Harun Mwau’s Party of Independent Candidates, and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka’s ODM-Kenya.

Secret weapon

"When I sought nomination from ODM, I was turned away on the excuse that Reuben Ndolo had done a lot for the party and had a lot of political experience," Mbuvi said during an interview inside his Hummer in Buru Buru.

His ‘secret weapon’ was support from the youth whom he had helped in many ways. They are the ones who gave him the name ‘Sonko’ – sheng for a man of means.

"Although I had set my eyes on the 2012 General Election, the youth wanted me to vie in the by-election when the Makadara seat fell vacant after an election petition by Ndolo," said Mbuvi.

So how did he accumulate his wealth?

Sonko’s wealth is traced to Mombasa where he was born and educated. There, his father ran a property and real estate agency, Pelly Properties, which he co-owned with another businessman.

After completing primary school at Kikowani Primary School in Mombasa, Mbuvi started getting more involved in his father’s business. At the time he was a student at Kwale High School, Kwale County.

"My father was a developer and used to sell beach plots at the Coast to European buyers. He made good profits because he bought the plots cheaply," Mbuvi told The Standard On Sunday.

He said he made Sh5 million working for his father when he was in Form Four in Kwale High in 1991.

Despite qualifying to go to university, he decided business was his calling. Instead, he took a course in Business Administration and Management at Edxcel International School in Mwanza and Pwani Business College.

At the time, his father and business partner split Pelly Properties. Mbuvi’s father started Gidson Properties where the young man, fresh from school, was the sales and marketing manager.

Mbuvi relocated to Nairobi in 1994 where he bought eight matatus, which plied the Kibera route.

He bought more matatus, which plied route 42 to Dandora and Umoja. He operated matatus in Dandora and Umoja from 1994 to 1997.

"I was also buying and selling plots and residential houses," says Mbuvi.

After 1997, he bought minibuses and began operating his matatu business in Buru Buru where his first minibus was christened ‘Ruffcuts’.

He later bought two buses, one double-decker, for a tours and travel business.

Because of helping the youth when in trouble with the police, and ensuring the arrest of a senior traffic police officer due to harassment and alleged extortion, among other things, he became the chairman of the Eastlands Matatu Association. There were more than 5,000 matatus, under him.

He gained popularity in 2007 after going to court when Eastlands matatus were denied access to the Central Business District. The Government then decreed that the matatus stop at the Muthurwa market and bus terminus.

Phone shops

Mbuvi said he has since diversified his business. He bought Club Casurina in Buru Buru as well as cyber cafes, salons, boutiques, and phone and accessories shops in Nairobi. He also runs a charitable organisation, which helps needy pupils.

He opened a number of youth projects "to empower the youth" in Makadara. He also increased stock for mama mbogas and built them sheds.

"But I never spent Sh150 million as claimed. I am not a rich man as alleged. I have given people projects instead of money. I have been doing this even before the campaigns for Makadara," says Mbuvi.

He says his agenda is to eradicate poverty and become Senator for Nairobi County. Mbuvi promises to declare his wealth after he is sworn-in as MP.

He said while the Constituency Development Fund would be for Makadara people, he plans to set up Mike Sonko Foundation to assist other city constituencies.

He said he expects Sh700 million from some NGOs in Europe within the next two months, which he would spend on projects in Nairobi. His message for the youth is they should work hard to be self-reliant.

"I cannot employ all youth but I will register youth Saccos, which will provide loans at low interest rates.

Sonko has had his run-ins with the law. In 1995 he was arrested for assault and was released on bond. When his mother died in 1997 the bond was cancelled and he was arrested and remanded at Shimo la Tewa Prison. He escaped to bury his mother and was rearrested, but the court pardoned him.

Is Mbuvi related in anyway to Mwau?

"No way," he said.

60 comments:

  1. me am not sea any problem with sonko coz there be4 where were u kuona kwamba sonko alikuwa na makosa

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like sonko coz he helps people,if he was the prezzie, IDPs in kenya would be history, security in Turkana would be as good as at state house and kenya would be a smiling nation! Sonko niko na wewe mpaka upate hio seat ya Senator,God make it possible!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Let's give him a chance to prove himself as an MP first before we come to such conclusions.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I ask Sonko to go for Prezzo come 2012, you have the numbers Sonko

    ReplyDelete
  5. vijana taking ova !!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sonko go for the best as you are the best.

    ReplyDelete
  7. WE LOVE YOU FROM TZ

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sisi vijana tuko kimoja.May GOd bless you and mit ur dreams.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Niko na wewe Sonko, we ni msee mpoa sana.

    ReplyDelete
  10. nice guy..looks like his got a heart..

    ReplyDelete
  11. Chicago pizza iѕ usuallу meаty (some variants сome stuffеd
    with cheesеs anԁ meat laуers) and it is eaten with a knife аnd forκ.
    Frοm there we movеd on to dinnег, а ѕtаggering spreaԁ оf
    mouth-watering optіоns prеpared for uѕ by local restaurant lеgenԁ 5
    & 10. (only because theу moanеd аbοut eаting their veggiеs).


    Hеrе is my web blog: pizza stone

    ReplyDelete
  12. Neаt blog! Ιs уour theme custom mаdе or did
    yоu ԁownlοad it from ѕomewhere?
    А desіgn lіκe yоurs wіth
    a few simple tweеkѕ would really make my blog stand out.
    Pleasе let me know where you gοt уour desіgn.
    Many thаnκs

    Heгe is my web page :: Chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and
    I will be waiting for your next write ups thank you once again.



    Check out my blog post :: wealthwayonline.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. What's up, this weekend is good designed for me, as this moment i am reading this enormous informative paragraph here at my residence.

    my website - Gucci Sito Ufficiale

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks in favor of sharing such a nice idea, piece of writing is good, thats why i have
    read it entirely

    Also visit my homepage ... Air Jordan France

    ReplyDelete
  16. When I originally commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that
    service? Many thanks!

    Feel free to visit my web blog ... stretch mark lotion

    ReplyDelete
  17. I absolutely love your website.. Excellent colors & theme.
    Did you develop this site yourself? Please reply back as I'm wanting to create my own blog and want to know where you got this from or what the theme is called. Appreciate it!

    Feel free to visit my site; Michael Kors

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I
    was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I'm getting tired of Wordpress because I've had issues
    with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Here is my web-site ... Abercrombie and Fitch

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so
    I guess I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your
    blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any tips for novice blog writers? I'd genuinely appreciate it.


    Also visit my web blog - Air Jordan Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  20. Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using
    for this site? I'm getting tired of Wordpress because I've had problems with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Visit my web site; Air Max 95

    ReplyDelete
  21. You're so interesting! I do not suppose I have read anything like this before. So great to find someone with a few genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with some originality!

    Also visit my web site - Louis Vuitton Outlet

    ReplyDelete
  22. Can I simply just say what a relief to find someone that genuinely knows what they're talking about online. You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people have to check this out and understand this side of your story. I can't believe you are not more
    popular because you surely have the gift.

    my blog post - Sidney Crosby Authentic Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Firefox, it looks fine but
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other
    then that, very good blog!

    Look into my web-site: Kris Letang Authentic Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  24. I read this piece of writing completely regarding
    the comparison of latest and previous technologies, it's remarkable article.

    Review my web page; Abercrombie & Fitch

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very descriptive article, I liked that bit. Will there be
    a part 2?

    Here is my web site Http://Lugj.In/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great post. I'm dealing with a few of these issues as well..

    Also visit my site ... Louis Vuitton Handbags

    ReplyDelete
  27. Good way of explaining, and nice paragraph to get facts regarding my
    presentation subject, which i am going to deliver in school.


    Feel free to surf to my site ... Going Here

    ReplyDelete
  28. Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web site, as i wish for enjoyment, as
    this this website conations in fact fastidious funny information too.


    Here is my site Cheap NFL Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against
    hackers? I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on.
    Any tips?

    Also visit my web blog :: Sac Louis Vuitton Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually
    recognize what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked.

    Kindly also consult with my web site =). We will have
    a hyperlink exchange contract between us

    my web-site - Gafas Oakley Baratas

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello, Neat post. There's an issue with your website in web explorer, could test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a large component of people will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem.

    Here is my page ... Abercrombie Et Fitch

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you for some other magnificent post. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such an
    ideal means of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I'm at the search for such info.

    Feel free to surf to my web blog :: Louis Vuitton Handbags

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It's a very easy on the
    eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and
    visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
    Excellent work!

    Also visit my webpage :: Michael Kors Handbags

    ReplyDelete
  34. Very good info. Lucky me I came across your site by chance (stumbleupon).

    I have saved as a favorite for later!

    my blog post ... Sidney Crosby Authentic Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It's a
    very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me
    to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
    Great work!

    Also visit my web site; Going Here

    ReplyDelete
  36. This design is spectacular! You certainly know how
    to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos,
    I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!
    ) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that,
    how you presented it. Too cool!

    Also visit my website: Authentic Evgeni Malkin Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hurrah! After all I got a web site from where
    I know how to actually take helpful information regarding my study
    and knowledge.

    my web blog ... Wholesale NFL Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  38. Naturally, what a vital internet site and
    revealing posts, I will add back link - bookmark this site?
    Regards

    Stop by my web page; seo expert resume

    ReplyDelete
  39. I for all time emailed this blog post page to all my friends, for the reason that if like to read it after
    that my contacts will too.

    Here is my web-site; Louis Vuitton Bags

    ReplyDelete
  40. Pretty component of content. I just stumbled upon your site
    and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts.
    Anyway I'll be subscribing for your augment and even I fulfillment you access constantly quickly.

    Also visit my website :: Air Max Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello to all, the contents existing at this site are really remarkable
    for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.


    Take a look at my page: Louis Vuitton Handbags

    ReplyDelete
  42. Excellent article. I will be dealing with some of these issues as well.
    .

    Feel free to surf to my weblog ... Michael Kors Outlet

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be working with?
    I'm experiencing some small security issues with my latest website and I would like to find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?

    Also visit my blog post Clicking Here

    ReplyDelete
  44. Genuinely no matter if someone doesn't know then its up to other people that they will assist, so here it happens.

    my web site :: Sac Louis Vuitton

    ReplyDelete
  45. This is the perfect site for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic.
    You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not
    that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh
    spin on a topic that has been discussed for years.
    Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

    Here is my website Christian Louboutin UK

    ReplyDelete
  46. Greetings! I've been reading your blog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent work!

    Feel free to surf to my blog post - Christian Louboutin Sale

    ReplyDelete
  47. Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up fast!
    What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate
    link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours
    lol

    my weblog - Louis Vuitton Purses

    ReplyDelete
  48. This blog was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something
    which helped me. Many thanks!

    My web blog: Sac Louis Vuitton Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  49. As the admin of this web site is working, no hesitation very rapidly it will be famous, due to its feature contents.


    Feel free to surf to my blog: Air Jordan

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi, yup this paragraph is really nice and I have learned lot of things from it about blogging.
    thanks.

    Here is my web site - Learn More

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
    This piece of writing posted at this web page is truly good.


    Feel free to surf to my blog post: chaussure de foot Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am really impressed with your writing skills as
    well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a
    great blog like this one today.

    Feel free to surf to my web site :: Air Max UK

    ReplyDelete
  53. An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
    I believe that you should publish more about this subject matter, it may
    not be a taboo subject but typically people don't speak about these issues. To the next! Kind regards!!

    Here is my blog post :: Mulberry Outlet UK :: http://www.whatsot.com/mulberry-uk.html ::

    ReplyDelete
  54. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    My website has a lot of unique content I've either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being stolen? I'd really appreciate
    it.

    Have a look at my site ... Air Max Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  55. It is perfect time to make some plans for the longer term and it's time to be happy. I've learn this submit and if I may
    just I wish to recommend you some interesting issues or tips.
    Perhaps you can write subsequent articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read even more things about it!

    Here is my site :: Nike ID

    ReplyDelete
  56. Great article! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our site.
    Keep up the great writing.

    my site; Air Jordan Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  57. For most up-to-date information you have to pay a quick visit the web and on
    world-wide-web I found this site as a best site for latest updates.


    my weblog :: Sac Guess

    ReplyDelete
  58. If some one desires to be updated with newest technologies therefore he must be
    pay a visit this site and be up to date every day.



    my website - Sac Guess

    ReplyDelete