Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said he will not rest until former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko's name is on the ballot for Mombasa governor race.
Addressing a rally at Bomani grounds in Likoni sub-county, Mombasa, Kalonzo argued that Sonko's case was pending before the Supreme Court and the East African Court of Justice hence the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should clear him to contest for the seat.
He told IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati to allow Mombasa residents a chance to choose who becomes their next governor.
"Sonko's case is active in the courts and hence Chebukati and his team should allow him to be on the ballot. It is the right of the electorate to choose who they should vote for," Kalonzo said.
The former governor exuded confidence that he will be on the ballot and blamed his woes on his political detractors.
"Some politicians are to blame for our trouble. They do not want to give us a chance to campaign for the seat. But God is on our side, we will be on the ballot," he said.
Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo who is Sonko's running mate said they were awaiting the court ruling on Tuesday that may force IEBC to put them on the ballot.
"On Tuesday, we will get the green light to vie. Chebukati took away our ticket and we will get it back. We will be back. Our journey has been difficult because we are fighting with political brokers and cartels in this county," Mbogo said.
He urged Kalonzo to talk to Azimio la Umoja One Kenya flag bearer Raila Odinga to dismantle cartels behind Sonko's woes in Mombasa.
"Our ticket with Sonko stands for change. We are therefore asking Kalonzo to intervene by talking to Raila so that Sonko and I are allowed to liberate the people of Mombasa from the shackles of political brokers and cartels," Mbogo said.
The former governor said that he has always had interest in representing the people of Mombasa where he was born.
He revealed that he stood bail for Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) leaders after their arrest in 2015 and took Likoni landowner Evans Waitiki to the late former President Mwai Kibaki for talks on how to settle squatters on his 930 acres that was finally done by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"I also took custody of baby Satrine when her mother was killed at the Joy Church by suspected terrorists here in Likoni. I have been taking care of that family for the last 10 years," he said.
He pledged to settle squatters, abolish levies for small-scale traders and employ youth at the county government as security officers after giving the old guards a golden handshake, if elected Mombasa governor.
Kalonzo took issue with Deputy President William Ruto's pledge to bring back to Mombasa some port operations from Naivasha dry port saying that he was the one who pushed for the transfer of the services.
He urged residents to vote for Raila saying that he will make Mombasa and Lamu free port facilities and create jobs for the youths.
The Wiper leader said Raila will also ensure free education up to the university level.