IEBC disqualifies Sonko from running as Mombasa governor

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has disqualified the impeached Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko from contesting for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the August polls.

Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya, the IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati explained that Sonko who had been nominated by the Wiper party to contest for the Mombasa gubernatorial position was disqualified from contesting following his impeachment from Nairobi gubernatorial seat.

"The reason for disqualification was and remains that he was removed from office for abuse of public office. He was convicted by the court on December 15, 2011, and sentenced to three years imprisonment,

"A person who is removed from office on contravention of Chapter 6 of the Constitution is disqualified from holding office, elective or appointed," he explained.

Aspirants barred alongside Sonko

Also barred from contesting is former Kiambu County Executive Committee (CEC) member, Paul Karungo wa Thang'wa who was contesting for the Kiambu senate position on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Thang'wa was impeached by the Kiambu County Assembly shortly after his then-boss, Kiambu Governor, Ferdinand Waititu, was impeached.

Chebukati also explained that candidates disqualified from contesting for elective seats are also barred from participating in appointive roles in the government.

He also noted that aspirants under investigation as well as those with ongoing cases are allowed to contest in the August election noting that they can only be disqualified once convicted by a court of law.

"Cases of aspirants under investigation are 11; one presidential aspirant and 10 gubernatorial aspirants. They are not disqualified by law and may contest, in keeping with the presumption of innocence until proven guilty,

"In keeping with the presumption of innocence until the contrary is proved, 55 cases of aspirants undergoing active prosecution in court have not been disqualified by law and may contest in the August 9 elections as candidates," he stated.

Similarly, aspirants with active appeals in the courts of law and those acquitted were also cleared to contest in the August polls.