In a move that signals a defiant return to the high-stakes poker game of Kenyan politics, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko walked out of Lion Place in Westlands on Tuesday morning clutching a certificate that could redefine his future.

The official registration of his new outfit, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), offers Sonko a distinct, independent platform for the 2027 General Election. But beyond the fanfare, it sets the stage for a bruising legal and political battle as he seeks to reverse the impeachment that currently bars him from holding public office.

The Lion Place Reveal

Accompanied by the party’s chairman, Dr. John Nyamu Muchai, and a throng of supporters, Sonko received the certificate of full registration from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of the populist fervor that swept him into City Hall in 2017.

"This is not about Sonko but ordinary Kenyans," the former governor declared, positioning the NEDP as a vehicle for the marginalized. He emphasized that the party would prioritize "youthful faces" for various seats across the country, signaling a strategy to tap into the disillusionment of Kenya's younger demographic—a voting bloc that will be critical in 2027.

The Legal 'Silver Bullet'

However, a political party is of little use if the party leader cannot run. Sonko remains legally barred from state office following his December 2020 impeachment by the Nairobi County Assembly—a decision upheld by the Supreme Court. Yet, Sonko insists he has a new legal strategy.

Speaking to journalists, he revealed plans to return to the Supreme Court for a review of the verdict, citing "new evidence." He claimed to possess affidavits from some of the MCAs who impeached him, alleging they were coerced by powerful state forces at the time.

• The Argument: Sonko is relying on Article 193 of the Constitution, arguing that disqualification only holds if all avenues of appeal and review are exhausted.
• The EACJ Angle: He also pointed to ongoing proceedings at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which he believes will fault the Kenyan Supreme Court’s handling of his ouster.

A High-Stakes Comeback

Political analysts view this move as a calculated gamble. By securing a party now, Sonko ensures he is not beholden to coalition partners who sidelined him in 2022, when he was blocked from the Mombasa gubernatorial race at the eleventh hour.

For the average Nairobian, Sonko's return adds a volatile element to the city's politics. His populist approach—often involving direct cash handouts and rapid response teams—contrasts sharply with the current technocratic administration. Whether this nostalgia translates into votes, or if the legal hurdles prove insurmountable, remains the defining question of his comeback.

"In just 24 hours, the Supreme Court buried my political career, but it's not yet over," Sonko warned, setting the tone for what promises to be a chaotic and colorful run-up to 2027.