Ex-Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been cleared by the Wiper party to contest for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the August 9 polls.
According to information seen by Kivumbi. co. ke Sonko’s name has been submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission among the aspirants seeking the top seat on Wiper Party.
The controversial politician will battle it out with Kisauni MP Ali Mboko in the nominations for the Wiper ticket.
Wiper’s National Elections Board vice-chairperson Agatha Solitei confirmed the reports of Sonko’s candidature for the Mombasa seat.
“That’s the list we have forwarded to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, and yes Sonko has presented himself as a candidate in the Mombasa Governor’s race,” Solitei said.
As Wiper clears Sonko, there is still debate over his eligibility to contest for any elective position in the country having been impeached by the Nairobi County Assembly over gross violation of the constitution.
On December 3, 2020, Sonko was impeached by 88 Nairobi MCAs of the County Assembly. This later proceeded to the Senate on December 17, 2020, and the senators upheld the resolution to remove him from office.
Sonko took the matter to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal upheld a decision by the High court that he was legally impeached in 2020.
Commenting on the eligibility of Sonko vying for an elective seat, former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka last week said that the former Nairobi Governor cannot be denied a ticket since he has not been charged with a crime.
“Sonko has not been charged with crimes against humanity. The only thing is he was impeached by the County Assembly of Nairobi and the decision was upheld by the Senate,” Kalonzo said.