Jubilee Party Gives Nairobi MCAs Green Light to Impeach Governor Sonko

Jubilee secretary-general Raphael Tuju says the party will not come to the rescue of embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko if MCAs decide to impeach him.

Tuju stated that the governing party will not stand in the way of an ouster motion against Governor Sonko if the grounds will be the corruption charges he is facing over the alleged misappropriation of county funds amounting to KSh.357 million.

“What he is facing is criminal charges. When someone is facing criminal charges, it is out of our province to impose our will. If an impeachment motion is based on the criminal charges he is facing Jubilee Party would not stand in the way,” Tuju said during an interview with K24 TV.

He further explained that Jubilee Party’s initial intention was for Sonko to be the political head of Nairobi but to have Polycarp Igathe ‘professionally’ run the affairs of the County. Tuju admitted that Igathe’s resignation caught the party off guard since he did not consult them before calling it quits.

Sonko was released on a cash bail of KSh.15 million but was barred from accessing his office until the graft case is heard and determined. This has left Nairobi with a leadership lacuna since Sonko failed to appoint a deputy governor after Igathe’s resignation.

Asked whether there would be a by-election in Nairobi as Sonko has been barred from office until his trial is completed, Tuju said they are waiting for an advisory from Attorney-General Paul Kihara.

“I don’t know if there is going to be a by-election in Nairobi…We will cross that bridge when we get there. The moment someone is charged with criminal charges that is a different ball game…I can tell you there is nothing wrong with party collaboration,” said Tuju.