Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is a bitter man after being locked out of the Mombasa gubernatorial contest set for August 9.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Saturday, June 4, 2022, declared Sonko unfit to hold public office following his impeachment in 2020.
In a quick rejoinder, Sonko, speaking in Nakuru, the former county boss criticized IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati over the move that he termed illegal.
Sonko claimed that the 2010 Constitution does not explicitly state that politicians with pending court cases are illegible to contest for elective office.
While faulting Chebukati for the move, he noted that the IEBC boss ought to have waited for a court ruling on his impeachment on Monday before taking any action against his candidature.
“What Chebukati has done today is very wrong because on Monday a three-judge bench will rule on this matter instead of taking shortcuts. The Constitution says if one has been impeached and you have not exhausted all the avenues of appeal you should be allowed to vie,” said Sonko.
Accusing Chebukati of bias, the flashy politician questioned why Sirisia MP John Waruke had been cleared to vie despite being sentenced to prison on graft charges.
“I have a friend who happens to be the Sirisia MP. He was jailed for 67 years and he went to prison. He appealed the verdict and was granted bail and after leaving jail he continued working as a legislator,” Sonko said.
“He is now campaigning to defend his seat and Chebukati has cleared him. Why not Sonko?”
Sonko claimed that Chebukati’s action threatens peace and stability in the country and could land him(Chebukati) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
“Haya mambo Chebukati amefanya leo hajui anaeza enda ICC kule Hague. Kwa sababu ameanza kuchochea ghasia. Chunga sana unaeza enda ICC; heshimu katiba ya Kenya (These things Chebukati has done today could get him in trouble with ICC. He has started stirring violence. Be cautious and respect the Kenyan constitution),” he said.
Aspirants barred alongside Sonko
Also barred from contesting is former Kiambu County Executive Committee (CEC) member, Paul Karungo wa Thang’wa who was contesting for the Kiambu senate position on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Thang’wa was impeached by the Kiambu County Assembly shortly after his then-boss, Kiambu Governor, Ferdinand Waititu, was impeached.
