Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is eyeing a return to active politics after successfully registering his party, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP).
Despite being impeached in 2020, Sonko is confident he can return to elective politics. He plans to take his case back to the Supreme Court, challenging the decision that upheld his impeachment.
Sonko’s impeachment traces back to December 2020, when Nairobi Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted to remove him from office. He initially approached the High Court to overturn the decision, but the Supreme Court confirmed his removal. Later, Sonko took his fight to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which ruled in his favor, declaring the impeachment illegal.
Sonko, who previously served as Makadara MP, Nairobi Senator and later Governor, now wants the courts to review his case.
“Yes, I have exhausted all my appeals up to the Supreme Court, but then I have a very good case that is coming up for review in light of new evidence that is in my possession,” he told journalists outside the office of the Registrar of Political Parties at Lion Place.
Sonko claims he has obtained affidavits from MCAs who impeached him, where they confess that powerful government forces pressured them to vote for his removal.
“I have affidavits from some of the leaders disowning the impeachment; this is the new evidence I intend to file in court as I seek a review of the decision,” Sonko said, noting that even the East African Court of Justice had disagreed with the Kenyan Supreme Court.
“In just 24 hours, the Supreme Court buried my political career, but it’s not yet over. Article 193 of the Constitution provides that you can only be locked out if you have exhausted all the appeals or reviews available. I am returning to court on a review basis and thus will be eligible to contest for any seat based on the pending review,” the ex-governor added.
On Tuesday morning, Sonko said his new NEDP will focus on recruiting young candidates to run for various positions across the country.
“This is not about Sonko but ordinary Kenyans. We will be holding a recruitment drive and hereby invite all Kenyans to this movement, which is a break from the past.”
The party plans to hold its formal launch on a different date.
The flamboyant politician and businessman leads the NEDP party with former SONU leader Anthony Manyara and KEMU University Student leader Naomi Chebet Masai serving as his two deputies. John Nyamu chairs the party, while Ben Mulwa, Sonko’s former personal assistant, serves as Secretary General.
Eric Njoroge will serve as Deputy SG, Francis Wambua as Treasurer, Laura Mwende as Deputy Treasurer, Peterson Maina as National Organising Secretary and Joseph Kiangoi as Deputy Organising Secretary.
“As youths, we will no longer sit on the dining table or but we will be the ones to prepare the menu,” Masai said, adding that the party will mainstream the youths in the country’s politics instead of using them as just voters.
