Sonko Unveils New Party, Sets Stage for Major Political Comeback
By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI
The County Diary News
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has declared that he is ready for a major political comeback following the successful registration of his new outfit, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP).
Speaking shortly after receiving the party’s full registration certificate at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties in Nairobi, Sonko said the party would prioritise young leaders and fresh political voices across the country.
Sonko, who was impeached by Nairobi MCAs in December 2020, maintained that his removal from office was unlawful and vowed to return to the Supreme Court to seek a review of the decision. Although the Supreme Court upheld his impeachment, Sonko later moved to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which ruled in his favour after finding that the process leading to his ouster was illegal.
“Yes, I have exhausted all my appeals up to the Supreme Court, but I have very strong new evidence that I am submitting for review,” Sonko told journalists. He claimed he has affidavits from some of the MCAs who impeached him, stating they had been coerced by powerful government forces to remove him from office.
He argued that the Constitution only bars candidates from vying after all avenues of appeal or review have been fully determined. “In just 24 hours, the Supreme Court buried my political career—but it is not over. Article 193 says you can only be locked out after all appeals and reviews are exhausted. I am going back to court, and while that review is pending, I will be eligible to contest,” Sonko added.
Sonko said the NEDP will embark on a nationwide recruitment drive aimed at young aspirants seeking a new political home. “This is not about Sonko but about ordinary Kenyans. Our movement will provide an alternative for youth who have long been used as voters rather than decision-makers,” he said.
Sonko, who previously served as Makadara MP, Nairobi Senator and later Governor, will lead the party. He will be deputised by former SONU chairman Anthony Manyara and KEMU University student leader Naomi Chebet Masai. Other officials include Chairman Dr John Nyamu Muchai, Secretary-General Ben Mulwa, Deputy SG Eric Njoroge, Treasurer Francis Wambua, Deputy Treasurer Laura Mwende, National Organising Secretary Peterson Maina and Deputy Organising Secretary Joseph Kiangoi.
Masai said the party intends to provide meaningful political space for young people. “As youths, we will no longer just sit at the dining table—we will be the ones preparing the menu,” she said.
The party is expected to have its official public launch on a later date.
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