Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant, Mike Mbuvi Sonko, is now heading to the Supreme Court in a bid to get cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest in the August 9 polls.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, June 7, the former Nairobi governor expressed concerns over IEBC's failure to clear him despite having an appeal over his candidature pending in court.
He wondered why the Commission's chairperson, Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, barred him from being cleared yet former Kiambu governor, Ferdinand Waititu Babayao, was one of the candidates gazetted to participate in the Nairobi by-elections after his impeachment in 2020.
“When I was impeached, Chebukati gazetted by-elections for Nairobi. After five days, he gazetted people who were to contest for the seat and one of them was former Kiambu governor, Ferdinand Waititu, who was also impeached.
"Is there a law for Sonko and one for others? No. We only have one Constitution for Kenya that was promulgated in 2010,” he stated.
His lawyer, Titus Kirui, stated they will seek the guidance of the highest court in the country over the eligibility of candidates who have been impeached so as to have a clear determination on his candidature.
“The IEBC had raised an issue that Sonko had not provided the original degree certificate as well as a certified true copy but that was resolved after the two documents were availed, but the only sticky issue is that of Article 75 on the standing of public officers who have been impeached.
“Our position is that Sonko has a standing appeal at the Supreme Court of Kenya that is coming up on Friday, June 10, and that is the answer to the IEBC," he stated.
Additionally, Sonko maintained that his degree certificate was legit revealing that IEBC officials did not have a problem with it further calling his supporters to remain calm until the matter is determined by the seven Judges of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome.
“My people, remain calm because we do not want chaos. We are not giving up. We shall pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.”
Despite Sonko's latest move, Chebukati warned candidates with pending issues that the Commission will start preparations for the election including printing of ballot papers.
He urged aspirants to lodge complaints with the Commission's Tribunal before the IEBC officially closes the verification and clearance of candidates.
