Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has dismissed claims that his new political party is aimed at dividing Kamba votes ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking publicly, Sonko said the claims were unfair and misunderstood his intentions.

“Hiyo kitu mimi imeniuma sana, kwa sababu mimi ni haki yangu ya kikatiba, kuwa na chama,” Sonko said on Sunday, December 14, 2025. He emphasised that forming a political party is a constitutional right and should not be seen as a move to split communities politically.

Sonko noted that critics pointing to his party as a tool to weaken other political groups are mistaken. He cited Moses Kuria’s Chama cha Kazi in Mbeere North, which some claimed was used to split votes, but stressed his own motivations are different.

“Na wale wote wanasema mimi natumika wawachane na, nimetaja zile chama ambazo ziko. Kama chama imewaaribia ni hiyo ya Moses Kuria kule Mbeere. Mimi ni Mkenya, na Ukenya wangu umemix na makabila mingi, and I’m proud of that,” he said.

He also highlighted his Meru heritage, stressing that his family roots extend beyond the Kamba community.

“Apart from being a Kamba, kitu hamjui ata hiyo Mt Kenya niko na damu huko. You can ask the people of Muujwa, Mitunguu, Imenti. Kina Gitobu Imanyara, wale tulikuwa nao kule nikiwa MP. My own mother, Mukami, tuko na roots. My grandfather, yule amezaa mama yangu, is from Meru,” Sonko said.

He pointed out that he has connections across several regions in Kenya, including Mount Kenya, and dismissed the idea that his political moves target any one community.

Sonko made it clear he wants to maintain respect for all Kenyan leaders while exercising his political rights.

“Niko na haki yangu ya kikatiba kuwa na chama, na mimi sitaki matusi kutukana mtu. I want to respect all the leaders in Kenya. I want to respect huyu Riggy G, na Kalonzo Musyoka, President Ruto and everybody,” he said.

Sonko returns amid controversy

The registration of Sonko’s new political party, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), has stirred debate in the political scene. Critics suggest it could be a strategic move to influence votes in certain areas. However, Sonko insists the party’s purpose is to advance his political ambitions and contribute to national governance.

The former governor received the official NEDP registration certificate from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in Westlands, Nairobi, marking his return to frontline politics. The party is now authorised to field candidates for any elective position nationwide.

Sonko’s return comes after a ruling by the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which found procedural irregularities in his impeachment process. While the Supreme Court did not overturn the impeachment, the regional court confirmed that his rights had been violated, giving Sonko grounds to pursue further legal options.