The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has disqualified three candidates from Kenya's upcoming General Election due to legal and ethical violations, including former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, UDA Kiambu senatorial candidate Karungo wa Thang’wa, and Nyeri gubernatorial hopeful Thuo Mathenge.
Sonko's disqualification stems from his 2020 impeachment as Nairobi's governor, a decision upheld by both the High Court and Supreme Court. His case remains pending before the Supreme Court, the final judicial authority. Karungo, who served as a County Executive Committee member under former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, was also removed after his impeachment. A legal provision explicitly bars impeached officials from holding public office or contesting elections.
Thuo Mathenge's exclusion involves separate allegations. The New Democrats (TND) leader was previously disqualified in 2017 for submitting a fraudulent academic certificate, a violation that also led to his 2013 election loss to the late Nderitu Gachagua. Despite his wealth from agribusiness and hospitality ventures, Thuo's eligibility was invalidated by court rulings on credential fraud.
