Gambia suspends ex-CEO over D696,609 loss
Former KMC CEO Sainabou Martin Sonko faces criminal investigation for irregular payments and loan guarantees.
The Gambian government has suspended former KMC CEO Sainabou Martin Sonko and ordered a criminal investigation into her actions. The Local Government Commission found she authorised irregular payments and loan guarantees leading to a D696,609 loss for the Council and a D5 million disbursement to a non-operational transport company.
The Commission's White Paper, released on 29 October, detailed that Sonko breached procurement laws by paying contractors without competitive bidding or committee clearance. She also executed welfare loan guarantees without Council approval, including an AGIB guarantee of D800,000 and a Trust Bank loan that resulted in a direct debit from the Council's account. Sonko admitted receiving a D30,000 inducement from a contractor.
The government accepted the Commission's recommendation for Sonko's suspension and directed the Inspector General of Police to investigate the Mbalit Project and related payments. The Auditor General will conduct a forensic audit and surcharge to recover losses, including the D5 million paid to Kanifing Municipal Transport and staff welfare loans.
Why it mattersFormer KMC CEO Sainabou Martin Sonko faces suspension and criminal investigation due to alleged financial misconduct causing significant losses to the Council.