Sonko To Compete for Mombasa Governor Seat in August Polls

Mike Mbuvi Sonko, the former governor of Nairobi, has entered the contest for the governorship of Mombasa.

Sonko’s name was submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as one of those cleared to participate in the party primaries by the Wiper Democratic Movement.

The former Nairobi county boss will face off against Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo, who is also running on a Wiper ticket.

On Monday, Wiper’s National Elections Board vice-chair Agatha Solitei confirmed to Capital News FM that Sonko will compete in the primaries against Mbogo.

Read: I’m in Talks with US to Reverse Ban on Sonko – Kalonzo

“That’s the list we have forwarded to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, and yes Sonko has presented himself as a candidate in the Mombasa Governor race,” she said.

Last week, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka promised to defend Sonko and portray him as a free man who has not been convicted of any crimes because his graft cases were still before court.

“I encourage our brother Governor Sonko, a fighter for the Common person. The person with the heart of the common man. I will stand with Sonko in it all so that he stands out strong,” he added.

The winner will face Hassan Omar, former Mombasa senator who has been handed the UDA ticket.

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The battle for the ODM ticket is between Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir and billionaire Suleiman Shabal.

On March 25, Kalonzo welcomed Sonko to the party after ditching President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee and being frustrated by deputy president William Ruto’s UDA.

Sonko was impeached in December 2020, with 88 MCAs voting in favor and only two voting against the censure motion.

He was charged with violations of the Constitution and other laws, as well as abuse of office, commission of crimes under national laws and lacking the mental capability to run the county government.