On Tuesday, Sonko received a certificate of full registration from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, marking his formal return to frontline politics.

Speaking after receiving the certificate, Sonko said NEDP is positioning itself as a key player in shaping Kenya’s future governance. 

“This is the party to watch. We are building a movement that will help form the next government. Our foundation is economic transformation, development, and improving the livelihoods of Kenyans,” he said. 

He urged leaders and citizens from all walks of life to join what he termed a platform for national renewal.

“We welcome everyone—from Gen Z to elders, from all political backgrounds—anyone who believes in changing our country. Let us join hands and work together,” he added.

Sonko also revived his long-standing dispute with Chief Justice Martha Koome, accusing her of bias in handling his impeachment appeal and questioning the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) prolonged delay in determining his petition for her removal.

He claimed the Chief Justice made “premeditated” comments regarding his impeachment long before his case was heard at the Supreme Court, conduct he argued undermines judicial impartiality.

“A leader can only be locked out after exhausting all avenues of appeal. The Supreme Court rushed my case, and the East African Court of Justice has now confirmed that my impeachment was unfair,” he said.

Sonko’s petition against CJ Koome, filed in July 2022, has remained pending for more than three years, with the former governor accusing the JSC of “inexplicable silence” despite multiple follow-up requests.

“How can a matter stay for over three years without a single communication? Kenyans deserve fairness, even from the highest judicial offices,” he stated.

His renewed push comes on the back of a recent ruling by the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which found that his impeachment process breached principles of fairness, justice, and due process.

While the regional court did not overturn the impeachment, it faulted the Supreme Court for procedural irregularities, including denying Sonko adequate time to file submissions before the hearing that effectively barred him from contesting the 2022 Mombasa governor race.

The EACJ concluded that the process inflicted “irreparable harm” on Sonko’s political career and stressed the importance of strict fairness when decisions permanently disqualify citizens from holding public office.

Citing the EACJ’s findings, Sonko confirmed he is reviewing his legal options.

“With the EACJ judgment now on record, I will pursue justice to the very end. My rights were violated, and I’m seeking a review because the truth is finally coming out,” he said. By Benjamin Muriuki, Citizen Digital