Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken on Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, accusing him of distorting the law and invoking his legal troubles to advance Mt. Kenya political agendas.
In a firm rebuttal, Sonko urged Kioni to “handle your mountain politics with Gachagua without dragging my name,” arguing that some leaders are twisting constitutional provisions to suit political interests.
Kioni had claimed in a recent TV interview that any leader who has been impeached is permanently barred from contesting for office, remarks he linked to Chief Justice Martha Koome’s earlier comments on Sonko’s case.
Sonko dismissed the assertions, stating that the Chief Justice misinterpreted Article 193 and misled the public on the eligibility of candidates with active legal proceedings.
“The Constitution is clear. Article 193(3) says a person is only disqualified after all appeals and reviews are exhausted. My matters are still under review. They are not concluded,” Sonko said.
He also questioned whether new evidence should be ignored simply because previous public statements had been made, asking: “Should justice stop if new, credible information emerges later?”
Sonko on Chief Justice’s case
The former governor accused the Chief Justice of violating Regulation 18(1) of the Judicial Service Code of Conduct by publicly commenting on a matter that remained active before the Supreme Court, and later sitting on the bench handling it.
“She was aware my case was still before the Supreme Court, yet she commented publicly. That is expressly prohibited. I am the one who suffered from that conduct,” he argued.
Sonko emphasized that he respects the office of the Chief Justice but would defend his name and constitutional rights “through every legal channel available.”
He criticized Kioni for relying on statements he believes were already debunked. “Using misleading remarks from the head of the Judiciary to confuse the public is wrong. I will not allow anyone to twist the law at my expense,” he added.
Sonko’s defense comes even as the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) faulted Kenya’s Supreme Court for procedural irregularities in his impeachment, citing possible violations of fair-trial guarantees under Article 25 of the Constitution and Articles 6 and 7 of the EAC Treaty.
Although the Supreme Court’s decision still stands, the EACJ ruling raised serious questions about the process, strengthening Sonko’s push for a fresh review.
Sonko is now basing his review application on new evidence, including testimonies from witnesses who told the court they were coerced by the previous administration to implicate him. Among those who have sworn affidavits withdrawing their roles in the impeachment are former Minority Leader Michael Ogada, former Speaker Benson Mutura, and Abdi Guyo.
He also argues that his case was rushed heard and concluded in a single day denying him adequate time to respond to the allegations.
