Governor Mike Sonko's Special Appeal to These 3 Judges

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Tuesday made a request to Court of Appeal judges Justices Roselyn NambuyeGatembu Kairu, and Kathurima M’Inoti

Speaking on his election petition appeal case, the county boss asked the judges to strike out the matter filed against the ruling of the High Court.

Sonko claims that the election petition was filed with an intention of blackmailing and extort from him.

[caption caption="File image of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko during a past press briefing"][/caption]

Through his lawyers Harrison Kinyanjui and Cecil Miller, Sonko defended Justice Msagha Mbogholi's decision noting that he was right to uphold his win because the two petitioners were not interested in prosecuting the case. 

“You cannot ignore the fact that thousands of his (supporters) were also anxious and wanted the case brought to a finality. Withdrawing the case would have caused more anxiety,” submitted Kinyanjui.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) lawyer Mungai Nani stated that the judge declined the application for the adjournment because it was apparent the petitioners were not ready to prosecute it.

Nani, further, urged the judges to dismiss the appeal filed

Japheth Muroko and Zacheus Okoth had challenged Sonko’s election as Nairobi Governor but the case was dismissed by Justice Msagha, who ruled that the two were no longer interested in prosecuting the case.

However, the duo wants the matter taken back to the high court for a fair hearing.

Through lawyer Dr John Khaminwa, the two argue that the Judge erred in law when he struck out the election petition.

Additionally, he argued that it was unfair to punish the petitioners by ordering them to pay costs of Sh5 Million yet the case was not heard. 

The court is expected to give a ruling on April 13.

[caption caption="File image of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko during his inauguration ceremony"][/caption]