Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has received a certificate of full registration for his newly formed National Economic Development Party (NEDP) from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, marking his formal return to the political arena.

Speaking after receiving the certificate, Sonko now the party leader said NEDP would be a force in the country’s future governance.

“This is the party to watch, We are building a movement that will help form the next government. Our foundation is economic transformation, development, and upgrading the livelihoods of Kenyans.” Sonko confirmed.

Sonko urged leaders from across the country to join what he called a national renewal platform.

“We welcome everyone from Gen Z to elders, from all political backgrounds anyone who believes in changing our country. Let us join hands and work together,” he said.

Sonko’s dispute with CJ Koome

Sonko also revisited his long-running dispute with Chief Justice Martha Koome, accusing her of bias in his impeachment appeal and questioning the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) delay in acting on his petition for her removal.

He claimed the Chief Justice made “pre-meditated” remarks about his impeachment long before his Supreme Court case was heard, and said such conduct undermined judicial impartiality.

“A leader can only be locked out after exhausting all avenues of appeal. The Supreme Court rushed my case, and the East African Court of Justice confirmed that my impeachment was unfair,” he said.

Sonko’s petition against CJ Koome filed in July 2022 has remained unanswered for more than three years. He has accused the JSC of “inexplicable silence”, despite repeated requests for updates.

“How can a matter stay for over three years without a single communication? Kenyans deserve fairness, even from the highest court,” he said.

Sonko’s renewed momentum follows a ruling by the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which found that his impeachment process violated key principles of fairness, justice, and due process. Although the regional court did not overturn his impeachment, it faulted Kenya’s Supreme Court for procedural irregularities, including failure to give Sonko adequate time to file submissions before the hearing that ultimately locked him out of the 2022 Mombasa gubernatorial race.

The EACJ concluded that the process inflicted “irreparable harm” on Sonko’s political career and underscored the need for unimpeachable fairness when a penalty permanently bars a citizen from public office.

Citing the EACJ’s findings, Sonko confirmed he is reviewing his legal options.

“With the EACJ judgment now on record, I will pursue justice to the very end. My rights were violated, and I’m seeking a review because the truth is finally coming out,” he said.

With a newly registered party in hand, a growing base of supporters, and a fresh wave of political energy, he says his comeback is not just personal but symbolic of a wider fight for justice and economic renewal in Kenya.