The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) has criticised Kenya’s Supreme Court for procedural errors in the impeachment of former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, expressing serious concerns about judicial fairness and adherence to the rule of law.
The Arusha-based regional court ruled that Sonko’s allegations that his impeachment processes breached his right to a fair trial were valid.
The court cited potential violations of Article 25 of the Kenyan Constitution, which provides the right to a fair trial, and Articles 6 and 7 of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, which promote good governance, the rule of law, and fairness among member states.
However, the EACJ did not overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling but faulted the procedural flaws that undermined the credibility of Sonko’s impeachment.
The court noted that Sonko’s barring from holding public office for life inflicted irreparable harm on his political career and reputation.
It emphasized that such a penalty required an indisputable demonstration of fairness and transparency during the impeachment process.
