Win for Sonko as High Court Suspends Printing of Ballot Papers for Mombasa Governor Race

The High Court has suspended the gazettement of Mombasa gubernatorial candidates in the August 9th elections pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.

The three-judge bench further ordered the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) not to print ballot papers for the Mombasa governor’s position and barred the Wiper party from nominating a replacement for Sonko.

In the case, Sonko has sued Mombasa County Returning Officer Swalha Yusuf, the IEBC, and three others, accusing them of obstructing his bid for Mombasa governor.

In disqualifying Sonko, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said all aspirants who were previously impeached from public office cannot contest an election.

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.”

Sonko was impeached in December 2020 by the Nairobi County Assembly and the Senate on grounds of gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, misconduct, and crimes against national law.