Mike Sonko Recounts Police Seizing KSh 8m Range He Bought From Ruto On Suspicion It Was Moi's Car

• Mike Sonko, while celebrating President William Ruto's 57th birthday, recalled the depth of their friendship
• The duo met in 2004 when Ruto, then a Cabinet minister, sold him a Range Rover valued at KSh 8 million
• It would later emerge that the vehicle was being traced by police after it was allegedly stolen from the late Daniel Moi's yard

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko reveals President William Ruto once came to his aid when the former was on the verge of losing his vehicle and being in run-in with the law.

Sonko capitalised on Ruto's birthday to recall the help the president once gave him kickstarting their would-be longtime friendship.

When did Sonko meet with Ruto?

He says it was in 2004 when he bought a Range Rover from Ruto who was then the Agriculture Minister during the late Mwai Kibaki's first tenure.

"Nineteen years ago, when I was a nobody in the political arena of this country, I bought a Range Rover registration number KAQ 535W for KSh 8 million from the then minister for Agriculture and MP Eldoret North William Ruto, current president," he started.

Unbeknownst to him, the vehicle had initially been used by former president the late Daniel Moi.

Sonko got himself in trouble after it emerged that the vehicle was being traced by the state security operatives after it was reported to have disappeared.

His wife, without knowing, would then show up with the vehicle in front of the police Fly Squad officers who were looking for it.

Sonko's wife had boarded the vehicle while going shopping; the officers intercepted her and seized the vehicle which they detained at the Buru Buru Police Station.

"I vividly remember one morning my wife and children were driving to Uchumi Supermarket in Buru Buru when they were spotted and stopped by the flying squad team that had mistaken the car with the stolen one that belonged to the retired president. Out of panic, my wife sped off, but the flying squad team pursued her, arrested her, and confiscated the car at Buru Buru police station," recalled Sonko.

In the midst of drama, Sonko sought Ruto's intervention given he was the seller.

How Ruto came to Sonko's aid

Ruto would then ask an assistant to Moi to do a statement clarifying that the seized vehicle was not the one stolen from Moi; Sonko then got back his car

For security reasons, the former then opted to change the number plate considering the images and videos of the car had circulated all over the media.

The registrar would decline his request, asking him to produce a letter of no objection from the registered owner of the car.

He again sought Ruto's help who responded in the affirmative.

"I went back to look for him (Ruto) at his private offices at Transnational Plaza. He handed me the letter of no objection addressed to the registrar of motor vehicles who, after authenticating the letter, approved my request, and I was issued a new number plate," recalled Sonko.

Meanwhile, First Lady Rachel Ruto addressed a heartfelt letter to the president as he turned 57.

Rachel Ruto's message to hubby

The couple's wedding anniversary coincides with the president's birthday.

"Happy Birthday, Bill, my cherished friend and confidant. On this momentous day, as we celebrate your birthday and our wedding anniversary, I am filled with gratitude," said Rachel.

Rachel deeply appreciated the president for his unwavering support and embrace throughout their marriage.

Reminiscing about their life journey, she ascertained that faith, love, and hope have been strong pillars at their home.

"Reflecting on the journey we've shared, I am reminded of a verse from the Bible: There are three things that will endure: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13. Kwa kweli mambo ni matatu.Your love and support have been a true blessing. Thank you for being a constant source of joy and strength," she added.