The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is yet to determine whether or not to uphold Mike Sonko’s clearance for the Mombasa gubernatorial race.
According to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, the commission has yet to deliberate on the Friday, July 15 ruling in which the Supreme Court upheld the former Nairobi Governor’s December 2020 impeachment as constitutional.
The ruling locked out Sonko from vying because impeached statesmen are legally barred from occupying elective seats.
Also Read: Supreme Court To Guide IEBC On Mike Sonko’s Clearance
Moreover, the decision to have Mike Sonko on the ballot was left with IEBC, after the High Court ordered the agency to gazette Sonko’s name among the Mombasa gubernatorial aspirants.
While addressing the press om Saturday, July 16, Chebukati announced that the electoral body would give its stance on Sonko’s fate in the coming days after holding internal discussions.
“I have not had time to look at the judgment of the Supreme Court and discuss with my team as a commission. We shall look at the issue and maybe get back on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday next week. We have not had time to navigate this issue,” said Chebukati.
Likewise, the commission’s chairman further expressed optimism that August, 9 polls will proceed without any drawbacks.
“The commission is ready to deliver the elections in August and ours is just to ask Kenyans to turn up on that day to exercise their democratic rights.”
He then noted that IEBC is still training officials who will oversee the voting process.
“We are still training officials. The training is very important because these officials, especially temporary ones, such as presiding officers and clerks are going to run the election so it is good they understand their role and code of conduct,” said the IEBC boss.
