Sonko wants three judges barred from hearing his appeal case

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko now wants three judges barred from hearing an appeal case he filed on Wednesday seeking a review of the bail terms blocking him from accessing office.

Sonko wants justice Mumbi Ngugi, Grace Ngenye and John Onyiego to recuse themselves from the appeal over alleged bias.

The Nairobi Governor claims Justice Mumbi Ngugi and Grace Ngenye barred Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulaal and Ferdinand Waititu from office respectively.

Sonko further claims that justice John Onyiego, being the head of the appellate court, will tilt his judgement in favour of the previous ruling.

The Govenor’s concerns come just hours before the courts make a land mark ruling on the fate of Governors Sonko, Waititu and Lenolkulal who have been barred from office over corruption allegations.

Judge Mumbi Ngugi in her July ruling said “elected executives cannot continue attending office when facing corruption related charges.”

She further posed: “…would it serve the public interest for a governor to go back to office and preside over the finances of the county that he has been charged with embezzling.”

“What message does it send to the citizens if their leaders are charged with serious corruption offenses and are in office the following day, overseeing the affairs of the institution?” posed judge Mumbi Ngugi.

EACC has maintained that it is investigating more county bosses for embezzlement of taxpayers money.

The council of governors keen on Friday’s ruling says that the honorable move by governors to step aside has been construed to amount to removal from office which is contrary to the constitution.

Oparanya adds that the move by the courts is hindering service delivery given that a deputy  governor has limited roles when he or she steps in the shoes of a governor.

Should the appellate court uphold the Mumbi Ngugi-ruling, the three governors will have to find comfort in the cold outside their offices until their graft cases are concluded.