Former Nairobi governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko, detailed a phone call conversation with President Uhuru Kenyatta that prompted him to accompany the Head of State to a tour of the city last week.

Speaking to NTV on Saturday, July 16, Sonko stated that Uhuru called him as he was meeting Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, at Wilson Airport. 

Sonko claimed that Raila beseeched him to drop his Mombasa gubernatorial bid, a request he refused to comply with. 

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko shares a light moment with Azimio la Umoja running mate, Martha Karua at Wilson Airport on Tuesday, July 12 TWITTER MIKE SONKO 

The former Nairobi governor added that at the time, Uhuru called him in order to urge him to accompany him to inspect various projects in the city. 

"I went to wait for Kalonzo at the Wilson Airport a couple of days ago before the Supreme Court hearing was set. I met my political mother, Martha Karua, with whom we exchanged pleasantries. 

"I told her that she had not seen me on the campaign trail because of the numerous court cases. We have a problem in Azimio because I believe I can deliver more votes than Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. After ten minutes, Baba (Raila) arrived.  

"Raila urged me to step down in favour of Abdulswamad, but I did not comply with his request since I know I have more support on the ground. When I was there, my friend Uhuru called and requested me to go to State House in order to accompany him to inspect various projects," Sonko stated. 

Sonko reiterated that the President did not have a hand in the High Court's decision to clear him to run for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat.

The former Nairobi governor reiterated that the Judiciary - under Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome - is an independent body and the President cannot influence matters before the courts. 

He claimed that the Chief Justice had a hand in the Supreme Court ruling that upheld his impeachment - noting that he would seek the East Africa Court of Justice. 

"Martha Koome had already taken the opinion that impeached governors are not supposed to be on the ballot which is against the constitution," he noted. 

Mombasa gubernatorial hopefuls Mike Sonko (Wiper), Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir (ODM) and Hassan Omar (UDA) on Saturday morning, May 28, 2022.

COURTESY MIKE SONKO  B Brian Kimani, Kenyans.co.ke