Speaking to the press, Sonko urged Kioni to focus on his regional politics with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua instead of dragging Sonko’s name into political debates.
According to Sonko, some leaders are manipulating constitutional provisions to suit their political goals.
Kioni had recently claimed in a TV interview that any leader who has been impeached is permanently barred from running for public office.
He linked this statement to comments made by Chief Justice Martha Koome regarding Sonko’s case.
Sonko dismissed these claims as misleading, emphasizing that the Constitution clearly protects his eligibility.
“Article 193(3) of the Constitution says a person is only disqualified after all appeals and reviews are exhausted. My matters are still under review and have not been concluded,” he said.
The former governor questioned whether new evidence should be ignored simply because earlier public statements had been made. “Should justice stop if new, credible information emerges later?” he asked.
Sonko also criticized Chief Justice Koome, claiming she violated Regulation 18(1) of the Judicial Service Code of Conduct by publicly commenting on a matter still pending before the Supreme Court, and then later participating in the case on the bench.
“She was aware my case was still before the Supreme Court, yet she commented publicly. That is expressly prohibited. I suffered due to that conduct,” Sonko said.
While Sonko respects the office of the Chief Justice, he stressed that he would defend his name and constitutional rights through every available legal channel.
“Using misleading remarks from the head of the Judiciary to confuse the public is wrong. I will not allow anyone to twist the law at my expense,” he added.
Sonko’s defense comes in the wake of a ruling by the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which faulted Kenya’s Supreme Court for procedural irregularities during his impeachment.
The EACJ cited potential violations of fair-trial guarantees under Article 25 of the Kenyan Constitution and Articles 6 and 7 of the EAC Treaty.
Although the Supreme Court’s decision still stands, the EACJ ruling raised serious questions about the fairness of the impeachment process, strengthening Sonko’s case for a fresh review.
The former governor is now seeking a review based on new evidence, including testimonies from witnesses who claim they were coerced by the previous administration to implicate him.
Some witnesses have withdrawn their statements, including former Minority Leader Michael Ogada, former Speaker Benson Mutura, and Abdi Guyo.
Sonko also argued that his impeachment was rushed, being heard and concluded in a single day, which denied him sufficient time to respond to the allegations against him.
In summary, Sonko has positioned himself as a defender of constitutional rights and due process. He maintains that political leaders should not misuse legal issues to score points, and that justice must be based on facts, not political convenience.
Sonko’s clash with Kioni highlights the ongoing tensions in Mt. Kenya politics, where party loyalties and regional rivalries continue to shape debates.
While the courts and legal reviews will determine the outcome of Sonko’s case, his response sends a clear message: he will fight to protect his reputation and political future.