Wiper Party Clears Mike Sonko to Vie for Mombasa Governor’s Seat

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has declared interest in the Mombasa county gubernatorial seat in this year’s elections. 

Sonko, who has been in the political cold since his impeachment as Nairobi governor in 2020, has been cleared by the Wiper Democratic Movement to contest for the seat.

Wiper elections board vice-chair Agatha Solitei on Monday confirmed that Sonko will face off with Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo for the party’s ticket in the upcoming nominations.

“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,” she told Capital FM News.

Sonko, who was previously a member of the ruling Jubilee Party, joined the Kalonzo Musyoka-led party as a life member last month.

He was impeached from office in December 2020 on grounds of gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, misconduct, and crimes against national law.

The 47-year-old politician previously served as the county's senator between 2013 and 2017, and MP for Makadara from 2010 to 2013. 

Last month, Sonko and immediate members of his family were banned from setting foot in the United States over alleged involvement in corruption during his tenure as Nairobi governor.

The US State Department declared Sonko a persona non grata alongside his wife Primrose Mbuvi, his daughters Agnes Saumu Mbuvi and Salma Wanjiru Mbuvi, and his underage son.

The ban was announced by Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Nairobi Eric Watnik on behalf of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

Watnik said the US had obtained credible information that Sonko was involved in graft, including bribery, irregular awarding of tenders, and undermining the rule of law.