NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has signalled a political comeback after securing full registration for his new outfit, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP).
Speaking outside the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties on Tuesday, Sonko said the party will serve as his vehicle back to active politics—even as he prepares a fresh legal attempt to overturn his 2020 impeachment.
Sonko, who was removed from office by Nairobi MCAs in December 2020, exhausted his appeals up to the Supreme Court, which upheld the impeachment.
However, the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) later ruled that the process was illegal, a decision he now hopes to use as the basis of a review before the Supreme Court.
He argued that Article 193 of the Constitution only bars a candidate from seeking office once all avenues of appeal and review are concluded—insisting his case remains alive.
“The Supreme Court buried my political career in 24 hours, but it’s not over. I have new evidence, including affidavits from MCAs who now say they were coerced to impeach me,” Sonko claimed.
The former governor said the affidavits, which he described as confessions from leaders who “disowned the impeachment”, will form the backbone of his application for review.
Sonko said he intends to use NEDP to recruit a new generation of political leaders, noting that the party will prioritise young aspirants.
“This is not about Sonko. This movement belongs to ordinary Kenyans. We are opening our doors to young people who want to lead,” he said.
The party’s leadership structure places Sonko at the helm, deputised by former SONU chairman Anthony Manyara and KEMU University student leader Naomi Chebet Masai.
John Nyamu will serve as chairman while Sonko’s former aide, Ben Mulwa, has been appointed Secretary General.
Other officials include Deputy SG Eric Njoroge, Treasurer Francis Wambua, Deputy Treasurer Laura Mwende, National Organising Secretary Peterson Maina and his deputy Joseph Kiangoi.
Masai, speaking during the unveiling, said NEDP intends to shift Kenya’s youth from “spectators to decision-makers.”
“As youths, we won’t just sit at the dining table. We will be the ones preparing the menu,” she said.
NEDP is expected to be officially launched at a later date.
