IEBC Disqualifies Sonko, Nyeri Billionaire And UDA Kiambu Senate Candidate

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has barred three politicians from seeking elective positions in the forthcoming General Election.

They are former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, UDA Kiambu senatorial candidate Karungo wa Thang’wa and Nyeri gubernatorial hopeful Thuo Mathenge.

The trio was struck out of the aspirants’ list over integrity issues.

Sonko cannot be allowed to run since he was impeached as city governor in 2020. The High Court and Supreme Court upheld his impeachment and has a pending case at the Supreme Court, the last avenue of appeal.

Karungo was also impeached while he served as County Executive Committee (CEC) member under Ferdinand Waititu, who was also dethroned.

The law states that an impeached leaders cannot vie or hold any public office.

Thuo’s case a bit different though. The New Democrats (TND) party leader could not be cleared because the High Court ruled that his degree certificate is fake.

He was also disqualified in 2017 on similar grounds though he ran for the post in 2013 and lost to the late Nderitu Gachagua.

Thuo is wealthy businessman with huge investments in agribusiness and the hospitality industry.