The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) has criticized Kenya’s Supreme Court for procedural violations in the impeachment case of former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, raising concerns about judicial integrity and adherence to the rule of law.

In a ruling delivered from its headquarters in Arusha, the EACJ upheld Sonko’s claims that his impeachment proceedings violated his right to a fair trial.

The court found potential breaches of Article 25 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, and Articles 6 and 7 of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, which emphasize good governance, justice, and the rule of law among member states.

Key Findings

While the EACJ stopped short of overturning the Supreme Court’s decision, it condemned the procedural flaws that tarnished the credibility of Sonko’s impeachment.

The court noted that barring Sonko from holding public office for life inflicted significant harm on his political career and reputation, stressing that such a penalty demands unquestionable fairness and transparency.

Sonko’s legal team highlighted irregularities in the Supreme Court proceedings, including procedural violations, which the EACJ deemed substantial.

The court emphasized that addressing these issues is vital to uphold fairness and justice in the East African region.

Revised Reference Granted

The EACJ allowed Sonko to file a revised reference incorporating new evidence from the Supreme Court hearings. This decision aims to enable a more comprehensive review of the case while safeguarding procedural accuracy.

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