Sonko Sparks Fresh Debate After Being Spotted in Convoy of High-End, Plate-Less Mercedes G-Wagons
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has once again ignited public debate after being filmed travelling in a convoy of high-end Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons — all of them immaculate, imposing, and notably missing number plates.
Sonko, long known for his flamboyant displays of wealth and unmistakable luxury aesthetic, appeared in a video seen by Independent , stepping into a deep-blue Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon accompanied by a close-protection officer. Dressed in his signature all-white outfit, the former county chief was ushered into the SUV as two additional G-Wagons rolled ahead and behind him.
The brief footage, filmed inside what appears to be a vast private residence complete with manicured lawns and tarmacked driveways, offered a quick glimpse of the vehicle’s interior — ivory leather, pristine detailing, and all the trappings of top-tier automotive luxury.
Online reaction was swift, with social media users questioning both the extravagance and the conspicuous lack of registration plates. “Only in Kenya can someone drive three G-Wagons with no plates and no one blinks,” one user wrote. Another commented: “This is straight out of a movie. Sonko never disappoints.”
A Longtime Reputation for Opulence
Sonko’s penchant for excess is no secret. His gold-trimmed home — complete with gilded cups, seats, wall inlays and door frames — has long been a subject of fascination and criticism in equal measure. His public appearances often mirror the flamboyance of a character from Queen of the South, complete with stacks of cash and elaborate accessories.
But the latest convoy suggests the former governor’s taste for ultra-luxury is still escalating.
Why the G-Wagon Remains a Global Luxury Icon
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, originally designed in 1979 as a rugged military truck, has become one of the world’s most recognisable symbols of wealth and status. Its combination of old-school off-road engineering and handcrafted interior luxury has made it a favourite among celebrities, athletes and power brokers worldwide.
“Thundering V-8 delivers brutal acceleration… more capable off-road than other performance utes,” automotive review site Car and Driver notes of the G63 model.
The standard G63 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 577hp and 850Nm of torque — extraordinary output for a box-shaped SUV weighing over 2.5 tonnes.
However, observers of Sonko’s video pointed out that one of the G-Wagons appears to be a Brabus modification — an ultra-exclusive high-performance variant produced by the German tuning house that specialises in pushing Mercedes models into supercar territory.
Brabus versions such as the Black Ops or Shadow Edition can generate up to 800hp and 1,000Nm of torque, slashing the 0–100 km/h time to just 4.1 seconds. They feature aggressive Widestar body kits, wider fenders, bespoke wheels and bespoke interior finishes.
The price tags match the performance.
A Brabus Black Ops retails at over Sh41 million, while the Shadow Edition climbs above Sh49 million. Even standard G63 units — used — fetch over Sh25 million in the Kenyan and international markets.
Legal Questions Over Plate-Less Luxury Convoy
Despite the spectacle, the absence of number plates on all three vehicles has raised legal concerns. Section 12(1) of the Kenya Traffic Act explicitly states that no registered motor vehicle may be used on a public road without the prescribed identification plates attached in the correct manner.
The law covers missing plates, obscured plates, improper attachment and non-compliant plate design.
Authorities emphasise that plate visibility is essential for identification, tracking and general road safety.
A senior traffic enforcement officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Express:
“Driving without plates is a direct offence. Even high-profile individuals are required to comply with the law. Enforcement is routine and penalties are well-defined.”
Typically, motorists caught without plates face an on-the-spot NTSA penalty of Sh10,000.
However, escalated cases that reach court can attract significantly harsher consequences — fines of up to Sh300,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
It remains unclear whether Sonko’s convoy was travelling on a public road or within private property at the time the video was taken.
Public Fascination Unlikely to Fade
While the legal debate continues, Sonko’s ability to command public attention through displays of affluence appears undiminished. Whether the latest convoy is a glimpse into his newest acquisition or simply another symbolic show of wealth, it has once again thrust the former governor into the national spotlight — a position he seems unlikely to relinquish anytime soon.
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Sonko Sparks Fresh Debate After Being Spotted in Convoy of High-End, Plate-Less Mercedes G-Wagons
