The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had barred former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko from running for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat.
According to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Sonko was not eligible to run for public office after being hounded out of office over integrity issues as stipulated in Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution 2010.
On Monday, July 11, IEBC gazette seven candidates for the Mombasa governor race in which Sonko’s name and that of his running mate Ali Mbogo were missing.
However, on Wednesday, July 13, the High Court in Mombasa ordered the electoral agency to immediately clear Mike Sonko to contest for the Mombasa governorship.
Justice Stephen Githinji stated that the electoral commission acted unreasonably by locking out the former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko from the August 9, General Election.
“As a result, the petition is allowed and prayers granted, and the third respondent (IEBC) is directed to accept nomination papers presented by the petitioner (Sonko),” read the ruling in part.
This comes a day after Sonko met Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his 2022 presidential running mate Martha Karua.
While thanking the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party for Sonko specifically thanked Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua saying she was the only woman leader who has stood with him in his political journey.
“I still remember very vividly Mama Martha is the only woman leader who believed in me when I first ventured into politics as Makadara MP. Long live your excellency the Iron Lady,” Sonko said in a Tweet.
Sonko, who was impeached over gross misconduct allegations will be battling with among others Abdulswamad Nassir (ODM), Hezron Awiti (VDP), Hassan Omar (UDA), William Kingi (PAA), Daniel Kitsao (Independent), Shafii Makazi (Upia), and Said Abdhalla (Usawa Party).
