Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has dismissed claims that his newly registered political party, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), was formed to split votes in specific regions.
Speaking days after the party received official approval, Sonko defended the move, saying the party was established to advance his personal political ambitions and not to serve the interests of any external political force.
He maintained that forming a political party is his democratic and constitutional right, adding that allegations suggesting he was being used to divide votes were unfounded and unfair.
Former Nairobi Governor Sonko Rejects Vote-Splitting Claims Over NEDP. Photo: Courtesy.
Sonko received the NEDP certificate of registration on December 9, at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, a development he said marked a step toward reviving his political career.
In addition to claims that the party was formed to split votes, Sonko’s new political outfit has also attracted criticism from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who argued that the former Nairobi boss is constitutionally barred from leading a political party due to his impeachment.
Cherargei maintained that although the Constitution guarantees political freedoms, individuals who have been impeached including Sonko, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu should not be allowed to hold party leadership positions.
The senator further accused the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties of violating provisions on leadership and integrity, calling for accountability over the registration of Sonko’s party.
