Sonko Sues IEBC for Blocking His Bid for Mombasa Governor

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has sued the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for barring him from vying for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the August 9th general elections.

Through lawyer John Khaminwa, Sonko termed the electoral commission’s decision to block him from the race as improper, unprocedural, and unlawful. 

He avers that it is prejudicial to disqualify him over his removal from office, arguing that his impeachment proceedings have not been concluded and that they are currently pending at the Supreme Court.

“That there is an urgent need for the court to review its orders so that the ends of justice are sought,” Khaminwa says in court papers.

“The respondents’ decisions to exclude the applicant from vying for a gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections are premature and prejudicial and they individually and collectively are oppressive and have already caused irredeemable damage to the applicant.”

He further claims that the IEBC’s decision to block his bid for the Mombasa governorship was actuated by bias, ill motive, malice and bad faith.

Sonko argues that he has spent a lot of money on political campaigns and barring him from contesting is against his fundamental rights. He also claims that his supporters stand to be affected.

In disqualifying Sonko, IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati cited Article 75(3) which states, “A person who is removed from office on contravention of Chapter 6 of the Constitution is disqualified from holding any other State or public office whether elective or appointive.”