This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
On the eve of a landmark ruling that could determine the fate of three governors, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has filed a motion seeking the recusal of three judges from hearing his appeal case.
According to Sonko, Justice Mumbi Ngugi, Grace Ngenye, and John Onyiego should recuse themselves from the appeal due to alleged bias.
Specifically, Sonko claims that Justice Mumbi Ngugi and Grace Ngenye have previously barred Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulaal and Ferdinand Waititu from office, respectively.
He further alleges that Justice John Onyiego, as the head of the appellate court, will tilt his judgment in favor of the previous ruling.
These concerns come just hours before the courts make a landmark ruling on the fate of Governors Sonko, Waititu, and Lenolkulal, who have been barred from office over corruption allegations.
As reported earlier, Judge Mumbi Ngugi ruled in July that 'elected executives cannot continue attending office when facing corruption-related charges.'
She further posed questions about the public interest and the message it sends to citizens if their leaders are charged with corruption offenses and remain in office.
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.
