While speaking in Narok after the announcement by IEBC chair, the former Nairobi governor claimed that the Kenyan Constitution does not distinctly state that candidates with any pending court cases are banned from contesting for elective seats.
Mike Sonko further noted that his court case will be determined by a three-judge bench on Tuesday, June 7. Thus, according to him, Chebukati should have waited for the final verdict before making the Saturday, June 4 announcement.
“What Chebukati has done today is very wrong because on Monday a three-judge bench will rule on this matter instead of taking shortcuts. The Constitution says if one has been impeached and you have not exhausted all the avenues of appeal you should be allowed to vie,” Sonko said.
Moreover, the former Nairobi governor questioned why Sirisia MP John Waluke had been cleared by IEBC to vie for an elective post come August 9, despite being sentenced to prison on charges of abusing office, fraud and corruption.
“I have a friend who happens to be the Sirisia MP. He was jailed for 67 years and he went to prison. He appealed the verdict and was granted bail and after leaving jail he continued working as a legislator,” “He is now campaigning to defend his seat and Chebukati has cleared him. Why not Sonko?” He said
In addition Mike Sonko claimed that Wafula Chebukati’s move could land him in the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague for what he termed as disrupting peace so close to an election.
Other candidates disqualified on impeachment grounds include; Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, former Kiambu senatorial hopeful Karungo Thang’wa and Mombasa governor aspirant Chitavi Antony Mkhala.