The High Court has suspended the Nairobi Governor by-election slated for February 18 until a case filed by ousted governor Mike Sonko challenging his removal is heard and determined. 

Sonko had moved to court on December 21 challenging his impeachment by Nairobi Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), in a decision that was later approved by the Senate.

On Monday, Justice Antony Mrima temporarily suspended the special gazette notice that had been issued by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) last month, calling for a by-election in Nairobi

In his petition, the former Nairobi County boss had opposed the Senate's decision to uphold his removal from office and sought temporary orders to stop the mini poll to replace him.

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Sonko argued that by conducting next month’s by-election, IEBC would further violate his rights after his controversial ouster by the Nairobi County Assembly and the Senate.

Sonko was removed from office by MCAs and Senators on the charges of gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, gross misconduct and crimes under national law.

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura is the acting Governor after Sonko failed to name a deputy while he was still in office leaving the city county in a legal quagmire.

Mutura took over the reins of the capital city’s government and rushed to sign the budget warrants, which paved the way for implementation of the county's Sh37.5 billion budget.