Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken legal action to prevent the proposed degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station. He expressed concerns that this decision would significantly jeopardize security in the Upper Hill area of Nairobi.
Sonko has directed his attorneys to file an urgent petition against the decision, referencing several constitutional provisions, including Articles 22, 23, 10, 247, and 258 of the Constitution of Kenya.
“As a resident of Upper Hill, I have instructed my lawyers to urgently challenge and block the proposed degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station, as our community’s security is paramount,” Sonko stated. “We cannot allow Upper Hill’s safety to be compromised.”
He emphasized that Upper Hill serves as a vital nerve center for the country, housing essential government offices, financial institutions, hospitals, courts, and diplomatic missions.
Sonko argued that the removal or downgrading of the police station would significantly increase security vulnerabilities in the area. “Upper Hill is not just any location; it is a crucial nerve center of our nation. Weakening security in such a strategic area poses a serious threat to lives, critical institutions, and the economic stability of our country,” he asserted.
The area is home to major institutions, including Milimani Law Courts and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, along with top-tier hospitals such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital. Additionally, it hosts the headquarters of leading banks and insurance firms, international hotels, and government ministries.
Sonko pointed out that the concentration of embassies, religious institutions, prominent schools, and commercial hubs in Upper Hill underscores its status as a high-security zone that necessitates a constant police presence.
Beyond security issues, Sonko raised legal concerns related to ongoing court cases in which he is involved. He highlighted that Capitol Hill Police Station contains critical records vital to the judicial proceedings.
“Capitol Hill Police Station holds essential records, including OB No. 17/26/07/2025, which is crucial for my ongoing case,” he noted. “The Officer Commanding Station has already testified, and more officers are expected to provide testimony. There is a significant chance that the court may need to physically visit the station.”
He also mentioned another case in which he is the complainant, filed under OB No. 02/17/01/2026, which is currently under investigation at the same station. This raises concerns about the continuity and integrity of evidence if the station is degazetted.
“Any attempt to remove or weaken this vital security installation directly threatens justice, public safety, and the rule of law,” Sonko asserted.
“We must stand firm. We must protect our community. We must uphold our institutions. And we must do so unwaveringly,” he concluded.
