The East African Court of Justice has criticized Kenya's judiciary for procedural delays and flaws in the impeachment case of former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko. The regional court upheld Sonko's petition without overturning the Supreme Court's decision. It highlighted the irreparable harm caused by barring him from public office.
On November 28, 2025, the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) issued a ruling faulting the Kenyan judiciary over delays in handling the impeachment of former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko. The court accused the judiciary of procedural flaws in the case, which led to Sonko being permanently barred from holding public office.
Sonko's impeachment was upheld by Kenya's Supreme Court in 2022, preventing him from contesting the Mombasa governorship that year. He subsequently approached the EACJ, arguing that his right to a fair trial had been violated. The EACJ upheld his petition, pointing to breaches of Article 25 of Kenya's Constitution as well as Articles 6 and 7 of the East African Community Treaty. These provisions underscore commitments to justice, good governance, and the rule of law.
While the EACJ did not reverse the Supreme Court's ruling, it sharply criticized the process. The court noted that the permanent bar inflicted 'irreparable harm' on Sonko's political career and reputation.
In response, Sonko has urged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to address his petition for the removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome, whom he accuses of bias and administrative interference. In a letter dated November 24, 2025, Sonko stated, 'More than three and a half years later, we have not received a response from the Commission.' He described the three-year delay as 'inexplicable silence' and questioned the Supreme Court's decision to schedule his hearing on July 14, 2022—just one day after a High Court had cleared him to run for office.
The JSC has not responded to Sonko's repeated demands for clarity on the matter.