The High Court in Mombasa has declined to throw away a petition challenging impeached Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko’s candidature.
Resident Judge John Mativo ordered that the petition, filed by George Odhiambo and Ndoro Kayuga will proceed to hearing on Wednesday
Justice Mativo however allowed Kayuga to withdraw from the case after the petitioner sought permission from the court to do so.
Kayuga withdrew his petition on grounds that Sonko’s legislative tribulations and his impeachment as Nairobi governor were “more political than legal.”
Odhiambo did not however follow the same line of thinking, noting that Sonko is not fit to vie for Mombasa Governor since he has ongoing court cases alleging his involvement in graft and abuse of office during his stint as Nairobi County boss.
Another case seeking to bar Sonko from contesting for Mombasa Governor is expected to be mentioned on Wednesday, with Justice Mativo set to give additional directions after the case, which was forwarded from an Eldoret court, is determined.
Odhiambo and Ndoro first filed the petition on April 25, 2022 on grounds that Sonko is disqualified from holding public office, following his impeachment.