Mike Sonko Moves to Court to Challenge Degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken legal action to stop the planned removal of Capitol Hill Police Station from official government records.
The station, located in the Upper Hill area of Nairobi, was recently degazetted as part of a wider plan to reorganise policing services across the county. Sonko, who lives in Upper Hill, has instructed his lawyers to file an urgent petition in court to block the move. He believes that closing the station would leave the neighbourhood more vulnerable at a time when security needs remain high.
In a public statement, Sonko explained his decision by pointing to the important role the police station plays in the area. Upper Hill is home to several key institutions, including Milimani Law Courts, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kenyatta National Hospital, and The Nairobi Hospital. These places attract many people daily, including visitors, workers, and patients, making reliable police presence essential. Sonko warned that removing the station could seriously weaken security in the area and affect the safety of residents, businesses, and public services.
Sonko based his court challenge on several parts of the Kenyan Constitution, including articles that protect the rights of citizens and ensure proper public participation in decisions affecting their lives. He stressed that the security of Upper Hill is not a small local matter but something that matters to the whole country because of the sensitive institutions located there. “We cannot and will not allow the security of Upper Hill to be compromised,” he said, calling on all concerned parties to protect this vital police post.
The degazettement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Interior to improve how police resources are used in Nairobi. Authorities have said the changes aim to make policing more efficient by moving officers and facilities where they are most needed. However, Sonko and others worry that such restructuring could create gaps in coverage in busy urban zones. As the court case begins, many residents in Upper Hill will be watching closely to see whether the station remains open or if new arrangements will be made to maintain safety in the area. The outcome could influence similar decisions about other police posts in the city.
