What Sonko’s return means for Raila’s Azimio

The return of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko to active politics has elicited mixed despite excitement from his fanbase.

Sonko has been in the political cold for over a year after being impeached by the Nairobi County Assembly.

When he made a return a fortnight ago,speculations were rife that he was going to run for the Nairobi Governor seat.

However, Wiper Party on Monday announced that it has cleared hit for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat.

The party confirmed that Sonko will face off with Kisauni Member of Parliament Ali Mbogo in the primaries.

“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’s race,” a party official confirmed.

Sonko decamped from Jubilee to Wiper after lengthy talks with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He was officially received by the Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at the party headquarters.

Kalonzo has defended Sonko, saying that he cannot be denied the opportunity to contest since he has not been convicted for any criminal activity.

Sonko is know for ability to mobilise voters with ease and political pundits opine that he is a great addition to the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition.

His rapport with the youthful voters has remained intact.

It is expected that he will team up with coast leaders in drumming up support for Raila Odinga.

Last week,he called on all Wiper followers to rally behind Kalonzo,further declaring that the whole of Ukambani region is firmly in Azimio.

In 2017,Sonko got over 800,000 votes to be elected the second governor of Nairobi.His vote tally was higher than that of Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Sources indicate that he will also team up with the rest of the Azimio team in Raila’s countrywide campaigns

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