High Court Upholds Mike Sonko's Impeachment as Nairobi Governor

The High Court has dismissed two petitions filed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Sonko was challenging his impeachment as well as the nomination, vetting, and swearing-in of Anne Kananu Mwenda as Nairobi Deputy Governor.

A three-judge bench made up of Justices Wilfrida Okwany, Said Chitembwe, and Justice Weldon Korir on Thursday ruled that the Nairobi County Assembly and the Senate followed the law in their removal of Sonko from office.

“We do not find any external hand in the impeachment of Sonko. The impeachment of Sonko fully complied with the constitution and statutory requirements. We, therefore, find the two petitions lack merit and are hereby dismissed,” the judges unanimously ruled.

The judges added that Sonko was accorded a fair hearing, adding that Sonko’s conduct warranted his removal from office.

“We find that the conduct of Sonko does not meet the highest standard expected of a governor.”

The judges further dismissed Sonko’s petition contesting the nomination, vetting, and swearing in of Kananu as Nairobi Deputy Governor.

They ruled that the swearing-in of Kananu was constitutional despite an attempt by Sonko to withdraw her nomination.

“The nomination, vetting, approval, and swearing-in of Kananu as Deputy Governor was constitutional and complied with applicable laws. Consequently, we find that all petitions challenging her ascendancy are without merit and are hereby dismissed,” ruled the court.

Sonko argued that the County Assembly had no powers to appoint her as deputy governor, arguing that he had revoked Kananu’s nomination. Kananu assumed office in January following a successful vetting process by MCAs.