Former Nairobi Governor and National Economic Development Party (NEDP) leader Mike Mbuvi Sonko on Friday paid Ksh1,000 cash bail for each of about 200 protesters arrested during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, securing their release from custody.
The protesters were arraigned before Milimani Chief Magistrate Teresia Nyangena and charged with obstruction following their arrest during Wednesday’s demonstrations.
After hearing lengthy submissions from a team of advocates representing the accused persons, Chief Magistrate Nyangena ordered that each of the protesters be released on a cash bail of Ksh1,000 pending the hearing and determination of their case.
Moments after the ruling, Sonko, who was present in court, offered to pay the cash bail for all the accused persons, amounting to approximately Ksh200,000.
“These are young Kenyans who deserve justice and fair treatment. I have paid the Ksh1,000 cash bail for each of them so that they can reunite with their families as they await their day in court,” Sonko said.
Earlier in the day, Sonko also came to the aid of a female protester who had been arraigned while carrying her infant child, offering to purchase diapers and other essential items for the baby.
“No mother should have to worry about how to care for her child while going through such an ordeal. I was touched by her situation and felt compelled to help,” he added.
The gesture adds to Sonko’s long-standing reputation for philanthropy, with the former Nairobi governor frequently making donations and offering financial assistance to vulnerable Kenyans during times of need.
