Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has responded to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati's decision to bar him from contesting for the Mombasa Gubernatorial seat.
Speaking during a rally in Narok on Saturday, June 4, Sonko warned Chebukati that his decision could land him at the Hague for what the former governor termed as contravening the law.
Sonko insisted that he was yet to exercise all his options after his impeachment.
Bomas of Kenya on Monday, May 23, 2022
The former governor gave the example of Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke who was cleared by the IEBC despite having an existing court conviction.
Sonko wondered why the IEBC chairman did not wait for the directive on Monday, June 6, whereby a three-bench judge would deliberate on his case.
"I have the utmost respect for Chebukati but the things that he has done, he doesn't know he can be taken to ICC because he has begun to incite people. There is the case of Sirisia MP John Waluke who was jailed for 67 years and he appealed and was freef on bond, he finished his term as MP and has been cleared to vie in the upcoming August 9 poll."
"This is because the law states that once you have been convicted, or any impeachment decision and you have not yet exercised all your options of appeal, then you can still vie in the upcoming elections. So he cleared Waluke and blocked me out of the race."
"On Monday, there will be a three-bench judge to decide on my case. He could have allowed the case to be determined before making the decision. So, watch out because you can be taken to ICC," Sonko stated.
While speaking at the Bomas of Kenya, Chebukati had affirmed that a person who is removed from office on grounds of violating Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya is barred from ever contesting public office.
According to the provision, Sonko alongside Kiambu Senatorial hopeful, Paul Karungo Thangwa, Chitavi Antony Mkhala, Nyeri Gubernatorial aspirant Thuo Mathenge, Turkana Gubernatorial aspirant Ekamais Jeremiah Loromukai were among the politicians who were disqualified from contesting.
"In keeping with the presumption of innocence until the contrary is proved, 55 cases of aspirants undergoing active prosecution in court have not been disqualified by law and may contest in the August 9 elections as candidates," Chebukati noted.
