Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revoked Mike Mbuvi Sonkos certificate permitting him to run for Mombasa’s gubernatorial seat.
According to IEBC Mombasa Returning Officer Swalhah Ibrahim Yusuf, her decision was necessitated by Supreme Court which rendered its judgment on his eligibility given his removal from office in 2020.
“I wish to draw your attention to the fact that on 15th July 2022, the Supreme Court of Kenya in the subject of the appeal held that your impeachment was procedurally fair and in accordance with the constitution, that you were removed from office for contravening the provision of Chapter Six of the constitution and that to have exhausted all possibilities of appeal of review of your impeachment,” Swalhah said.
As per Supreme Court judges, Sonko’s impeachment was in compliance with the constitution and the law.
“In adherence to Supreme Court judgment, you are therefore disqualified from holding public office and thus disqualified from contesting and being elected as the governor of Mombasa County or any other county. Your candidature is invalidated and your certificate revoked,” the County Returning Officer told Sonko
Swalhah pointed that she had cleared Sonko to contest the seat and issued him with a certificate because the High Court had ordered the commission to do so.
“The main ground as to why the High Court allowed your registration as a candidate was the presence of the appeal in the Supreme Court,” she said.
“Considering the fact that the Supreme Court is the apex court in terms of judiciary hierarchy, Sonko has no other avenue to appeal the decision and that his fate has been sealed,” added Swalhah
Meanwhile, Sonko has moved to the East African Court of Justice to challenge Supreme Court decision to uphold his 2020 impeachment.
