Sonko Moves to Revive Political Career, Registers NEDP Party for 2027 Elections

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has secured registration for his new political party, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), as he seeks to make a political comeback ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sonko, who was impeached as governor in 2020 over charges of gross misconduct, corruption, and abuse of office, has long been sidelined from public office. However, a ruling by the East African Court of Justice declaring his removal unlawful has opened the door for his return. 

Sonko now plans to challenge the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold his impeachment, citing new affidavits from Members of the County Assembly who claim they were coerced into voting for his removal. At a ceremony confirming the registration of NEDP at the Registrar of Political Parties office in Nairobi, Sonko asserted that his political career is far from over. 

He intends to pursue a review of the Supreme Court ruling and believes that Article 193 of the Constitution allows him to contest for public office while the review is pending. The NEDP, which Sonko has positioned as a party for youth empowerment, will field candidates across Kenya in the run-up to the 2027 elections. 

Key officials include former student leaders and close allies of Sonko. Party deputy leader Naomi Chebet Masai emphasised the importance of youth in the movement, stating that young people would play an active role in shaping the political agenda.

Sonko’s return to the political stage follows a period of relative silence after his impeachment and strained relations with the Jubilee administration. The registration of NEDP not only restores his political presence but raises questions about the effectiveness of impeachment as a political sanction, particularly when regional courts offer differing opinions on its legality.

The Registrar of Political Parties confirmed that NEDP has met all the requirements set out in the Political Parties Act, allowing it to join other newly registered parties. Members of the public have been invited to submit objections within seven days, though Sonko’s camp remains confident that the party will withstand scrutiny.