Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has initiated a legal bid to overturn his 2020 impeachment, banking on new evidence and recent court decisions as he eyes a political comeback ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sonko insists his eligibility to contest elective positions remains intact, referencing a 2022 High Court ruling that affirmed his right to vie for office. He argues that this ruling has not been overturned within the stipulated timelines, thus maintaining its validity.
Legal Grounds and Fresh Evidence
Sonko plans to file an application to review his impeachment, highlighting fresh evidence that was not available during earlier court proceedings. Central to his argument is a decision by the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which criticised the Kenyan Supreme Court for procedural irregularities in handling his appeal.
According to Sonko, the Supreme Court fast-tracked his case, allowing only a few hours instead of the constitutionally required 14 days for filing submissions. This, he claims, compromised the fairness of the process.
Further strengthening his case are affidavits sworn by Michael Otada and Abdi Guyo, the mover and seconder of the impeachment motion in the Nairobi County Assembly. Sonko alleges that both admitted to providing false information during the impeachment proceedings.
Implications for Kenyan Politics
If successful, Sonko’s challenge could reopen one of Kenya’s most high-profile impeachment cases and influence the legal framework governing the political rights of impeached officials seeking a return to elective office.
Sonko’s move comes nearly six years after his impeachment was upheld by the Senate and affirmed by the Supreme Court, which effectively barred him from holding public office.
He remains confident that the new evidence and legal precedents will lead to a reversal of his impeachment and restore his political career.
