Chaos in Mombasa as IEBC rejects Sonko’s application

Chaos erupted in Mombasa shortly after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) failed to clear Mike Sonko to run for the coastal city’s gubernatorial seat.

Sonko’s supporters took to the streets protesting the move citing bias in the process of clearing candidates.

The electoral body has cited lack of a certified, Degree Certificate, his impeachment while serving as Nairobi Governor and lack of an EACC clearance form as grounds for denying Sonko the go-ahead to vie.

Speaking from the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Mombasa County IEBC Returning Officer Swalha Ibrahim said she did not receive orders from court to clear the former Nairobi Governor to contest.

The IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati on Saturday dismissed Sonko’s candidature on grounds that he was unfit to hold public office following his impeachment for abuse of office.

He said by dint of Article 75 (3) of the Constitution, individuals found to have violated Chapter Six of the Constitution cannot hold public office, either through election or appointment.

Sonko is eyeing the Mombasa governor seat on the Wiper Party ticket.