In a TV interview, Wiper’s National Elections Board chairperson Agatha Solitei said the party had submitted Mr Sonko’s name to the IEBC as one of its aspirants for the governor’s seat.
“We are in talks (with) them (Mr Mbogo and Mr Sonko) trying to reach a consensus. If they do not do that (agree) they will have to go for a contest (nomination),” said Ms Solitei.
“I was issued with an interim certificate as an unopposed Wiper candidate to vie for the Mombasa gubernatorial race by [Mr] Musyoka at the Bomas of Kenya. It was signed by National Elections Board chair Agatha Solitei. What we hear about [Mr] Sonko is just rumours. I don’t have an opponent in Wiper and there will be no nominations in Mombasa,” said Mr Mbogo.
He said Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, who bagged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, was his only challenger in the forthcoming polls. But Mr Sonko, who has remained evasive amid flip-flopping in the party over his candidacy, is still Mr Mbogo’s biggest threat. His entry into the race has shaken the region’s politics with other contestants watching his moves with interest. Depending on how he plays his cards, the former Nairobi governor could also set himself up for stiff opposition, which ODM could capitalise on to settle old political scores with him.
“It is Mr Sonko’s right to run for Mombasa governor. Any Kenyan can vie anywhere in this country,” Mr Omar said. Others in the race are Mr Nassir (ODM), deputy governor Dr William Kingi (Pamoja African Alliance) and Mr Hassan Omar (United Democratic Alliance).
Mr Sonko who was impeached as Nairobi governor in 2020. He is a popular figure in the county and had projected herself as a performer who was kicked out by opponents in Jubilee Party who were threatened by his growing stature. He will however have to fight the tag that he is using the seat to boost his controversial image.
He, however, still maintains that his removal from office, which has been confirmed by the High Court and the Court of Appeal, was illegal and the Supreme Court will vindicate him.
Last month, the United States government issued a travel ban against Mr Sonko and members of his immediate family including his wife and two daughters on allegations of benefiting from proceeds of corruption.
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