Wiper party has reversed its decision to drop former Nairobi governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko, in the Mombasa gubernatorial race.
The party explained that they had reached the decision after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) failed to act on their request to replace Sonko with his running mate Ali Mbogo - incumbent Kisauni Member of Parliament.
Wiper stated that it would continue pushing for Sonko to be cleared as the politician is facing several cases in court.
However, IEBC explained that they could not act on Wiper's letter as they had surpassed the 72 hours timeline granted to them by the committee.
"We received a letter from IEBC drafted on June 30, indicating the names submitted were time-barred,” Eunice Lumallas, the party's lawyer stated.
Wiper had proposed Sonko to deputise Mbogo who the party believed would have been cleared without many hurdles.
The party awaits a decision by the High Court regarding Sonko's eligibility to run, a case expected to be determined next week.
Sonko's candidature has seen the party and the IEBC battle it out in court following Wafula's Chebukati's decision to block the former governor from the polls on the grounds that he was impeached.
This was based on a list of 241 politicians submitted by the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC).
Previously, Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, maintained that he will support Sonko through the hurdles stating that he was even willing to move to the Supreme Court to ensure that Sonko is cleared to vie.
"I have been struggling to have Mike Sonko become the governor of Mombasa and I am still on it. He will be deputised by Ali Mbogo."
