UDA Mistreated me – Sonko on Why He Joined Wiper

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has spoken out about his decision to join the Wiper party.

The former county boss stated that he will be on the ballot on August 9 for a seat in Nairobi.

After allegedly being mistreated by the United Democratic Party (UDA), which he intended to join after leaving Jubilee Party, the flamboyant politician defected to Wiper.

The ex-Nairobi Senator said that UDA Secretary General Veronica Maina interfered with his attempt to register with the party led by Deputy President William Ruto.

Read: Sonko Formally Resigns from Jubilee Party

As a result, he decided to join Kalonzo Musyoka’s party as a life member to avoid further harassment.

“I was to register with UDA first but I was mistreated. I wanted to join them after resigning from Jubilee but SG Ms Veronica Maina sabotaged my registration,” said Sonko.

“They are treating politicians badly and if the behavior continues then they are going to lose many political leaders,” he added.

After being off the political scene since his expulsion as Nairobi governor in December 2020, the former Makadara MP joined Wiper as a life member last week Friday, where he was welcomed by Kalonzo.

Read Also: US Ban Is Politically Motivated – Sonko Claims

Mr Sonko’s decision to become a life member of Wiper predated his resignation from Jubilee, his 2017 political vehicle.

“I would like to thank the party leadership for the support that they provided me while I served as a Governor of the Nairobi City County before I was unlawfully removed from office …,” his letter to Jubilee read in part.

Sonko said he had to join a political party before the deadline set by the Registrar of Political Parties.

For him to run, he elucidated, he would have to do so through a party.

Read Also: Sonko Joins Kalonzo’s Wiper After Ditching Jubilee

“I had to ditch Jubilee to join another party. There were constitutional timelines for every politician to be in a party before the expiry period which was Saturday midnight,” he said.

The flashy politician, however, declined to disclose the position he will be vying for.

However, the flamboyant politician stated earlier this month that he is eager to reclaim his seat, claiming that he was wrongfully impeached and that the Supreme Court will vindicate him.

Sonko was impeached by MCAs in December 2020, and as a result, he lost his governorship, with the High Court and the Court of Appeal supporting the Nairobi County Assembly’s decision.

Read Also: Sonko to Run for Nairobi Governor in August

In addition, the former governor is facing a slew of criminal allegations, including corruption, violence, and terrorist-related offenses.

He was barred from entering the United States earlier this month after being accused of being corrupt.

“I have already lodged my appeal and we are just waiting for the hearing date. There is no law for Sonko and for other leaders. Article 99 (3) of the Constitution says one has to exhaust all avenues of appeal to be barred from vying,” said the ex-Senator.

“Sirisia MP John Waluke is an example. He is campaigning despite his conviction because he appealed the verdict and has not exhausted all the available avenues. So the same should apply to my case.”