Wiper Gives Mike Sonko a Direct Ticket to Vie for Mombasa Governor Seat

The Wiper Democratic Movement has issued a direct nomination ticket to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to vie for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka handed Sonko the nomination certificate in a ceremony in Nairobi on Thursday.

This comes after Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo, who was also eyeing the Wiper ticket, stepped down for Sonko following consensus talks and agreed to be his running mate. 

“As a result of consultations, Governor Sonko becomes the Wiper candidate to be deputized by Ali Mbogo,” Kalonzo told journalists.

Sonko will now face Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sharif  Nassir of ODM and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar of UDA party.

Sonko, who has been in the political cold since his impeachment as Nairobi governor in 2020, ditched the ruling Jubilee Party and joined Wiper 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.