Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has formally distanced himself from the Web Tribe-operated JamboPay contract during court proceedings, insisting that he never agreed to continue or renew the deal under his term.

On Monday, former Nairobi County Attorney Lydia Kwamboka testified in the Anti-Corruption Court that Nairobi City County was under no legal or administrative obligation to adopt systems inherited from previous regimes, including JamboPay. She said that her office handled only civil matters and had no criminal jurisdiction over contract inheritance.

Kwamboka told the court that Web Tribe (JamboPay) was originally engaged by the now-defunct Nairobi City Council to manage e-payment and automated revenue collection services. She said Sonko’s administration made attempts to shift away from the platform, wanting to introduce a more modern, efficient revenue system.

During cross-examination, the court heard audio clips between Sonko and the then ICT County Executive member in which Sonko was recorded saying he did not want to “hear the issue of JamboPay.” He is heard urging that Nairobi should not inherit “problems from past regimes,” calling the existing software outdated, and insisting on a transition to a new system.

Sonko was recorded complaining that the old e-payment platform had been in use for over 20 years, and at some points, that it was deliberately interfered with and even switched off by unknown individuals, according to testimony.

In his defense, Sonko’s legal team holds that he rejected attempts to renew the contract with JamboPay. They argue that the county should instead migrate to upgraded systems with better transparency and performance.

Former County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Allan Esabwa Igambi, testified that he was responsible for payments to service providers, including Web Tribe, but claimed that he had resisted pressure from higher‐ups to renew the contentious contract.

Igambi also alleged that a former Solicitor General had asked him to “find something to incriminate the governor” over the JamboPay matter. He said he refused to act on that request, insisting on lawful procedures.

The contract is at the center of a graft case in which Sonko, Web Tribe’s owners, and another accused party are alleged to have engaged in corrupt dealings related to revenue collection. The Anti-Corruption Court has already ruled that Sonko and co-accused must defend themselves against the charges.

Kwamboka also clarified why no legal action was taken by her office against Web Tribe during her tenure: she said that civil matters do not cover criminal allegations, which require a separate prosecutorial process.

The case was last mentioned today, with the court scheduling further proceedings for some time in early 2026.

Observers see the defense’s strategy as an attempt to shift the focus from Sonko’s personal responsibility to systemic issues legacy contracts, inherited administrative frameworks, and the challenges of upgrading infrastructure in the midst of political and legal contestation.

Meanwhile, prosecutors are expected to produce more evidence, including financial records, internal correspondences, and contracts, as the case continues.

In the public domain, the JamboPay contract has provoked debate over transparency, revenue leaks, and the degree to which successive Nairobi administrations have managed or mismanaged City Hall’s revenue streams.

Supporters of Sonko maintain his claim that he aimed to reform revenue collection by moving away from legacy systems, while critics argue that his public statements and the recordings suggest otherwise, pointing to unresolved allegations of corruption and improper contract renewals.

As the litigation unfolds, both sides are set to call more witnesses. More audio recordings, internal memos, and testimonies are expected to be presented.

For Nairobi residents, the outcome of this case could have implications beyond Sonko’s political legacy: it may influence how future City Hall contracts are awarded, how inherited arrangements are managed, and what reforms are enforced in the financial governance of the county.

The court’s ruling in the coming months will be closely watched for how it balances accountability, legal due process, and the complex reality of managing inherited government contracts.