Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has moved a step closer to a full scale political comeback after receiving the registration certificate for his new outfit, the National Economic Development Party.
The development ends months of speculation about the vehicle he intends to use as he reenters national politics following years of legal challenges and questions over his eligibility to run for office.
Sonko described the party as the foundation of what he called a major resurgence ahead of the 2027 general election. He told supporters that the goal is to build a national movement anchored on economic transformation, job creation and inclusive development.
He also framed the party as a home for Kenyans who feel politically sidelined and promised a platform centred on the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.
In remarks after being handed the certificate, Sonko issued an open invitation to supporters from all age groups and political backgrounds. He said the party would advance a people first model of governance and would welcome anyone committed to what he termed national renewal.
The message echoes his recent efforts to reassert himself in the public arena through charity work, public events and more frequent political commentary.
The launch of the National Economic Development Party gives Sonko a formal structure for his comeback bid and positions him to contest influence in several key counties.
He is said to be eyeing political ground in Nairobi, Machakos, Kilifi, Kwale, Makueni and Taita Taveta as part of a broader strategy to rebuild his base in both urban and rural areas.
According to the party website, NEDP is chaired by gynecologist John Namu while Sonko’s former personal assistant Bernard Mulwa serves as secretary general. The party expects to receive full registration within three weeks.
Insiders say the plan is to field a large slate of county assembly candidates with the aim of securing majorities in targeted assemblies. Such leverage could, in theory, allow Sonko to exert considerable influence over governors in those counties.
Sonko was impeached in 2021 after a protracted fallout with then-president Uhuru Kenyatta. His renewed political push comes after a period of relative quiet followed by a spike in public engagements, including the revival of his rescue team which offers ambulances and public assistance.
His social media pages have also become more active, featuring charity drives and direct interactions with supporters as he tests the ground for a political return.
