Reprieve for Sonko as petitioner withdraws case challenging his Mombasa gubernatorial bid
Reprieve for former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko after one of the petitioners, who had filed a petition seeking to bar him from vying for Mombasa governor seat, sought to withdraw his petition.
Lawyer Titus Kirui informed Mombasa High Court judge Justice John Mativo that he had instructions from the first petitioner in the case Ndoro Kaguya, to withdraw the matter.
Former governor's fingers crossed
"I received directions from the first petitioner last evening that he is not interested in pursuing the petition and as such, l will seek leave to serve my notice of appointment and the application on withdrawal to the respondents," he said.
Following the new development, the petitioner's first lawyer Willis Oluga opposed the move and informed the court that Kirui should be denied audience before court since he was yet to file a proper notice of appointment and serve the respondents.
"What he has done is embarrassing. l feel deprived, however, if the first petitioner wishes to withdraw, let the court give directions," Oluga said.
On his part Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through lawyer Edwin Mukele sought to have the matter adjourned due to the confusion before court to allow the petitioners put their house in order.
Governor race in Mombasa: Sonko was was cleared by Wiper
Our consensus efforts continue to bear fruit. The National Elections Board is very pleased to announce that @MikeSonko & Hon Ali Mboga have agreed to work together to deliver Mombasa County Governorship. pic.twitter.com/VpABlEkn0t— The Wiper Democratic Movement (@TheWiperParty) April 21, 2022
"We pray for a mention date to allow the petitioners to sort out their issues. There seems to be a lot of confusion and we cannot proceed as it is of now," Mukele told the court.
Mativo ordered the petitioner's counsel to serve the withdrawal notice to the respondents.
The matter will be mentioned on May 10.
Sonko is seeking to contest for Mombasa governor seat on a Wiper Party ticket.
