Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has secured the release of about 200 people arrested during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests after paying their cash bail at the Milimani Law Courts.
The protesters were presented before Chief Magistrate Teresia Nyangena, where they faced charges of obstruction following their arrest during Wednesday’s demonstrations.
After considering submissions by defence lawyers representing the accused, the court ordered that each suspect be released on a cash bail of KSh1,000 pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Shortly after the ruling, Sonko, who was in court, settled the bail for all the accused persons at a total cost of about KSh200,000, allowing them to leave custody.
Speaking after making the payments, Sonko said the young people deserved an opportunity to defend themselves while out on bail.
“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,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the former governor also came to the assistance of a female protester who appeared in court with her infant child.
He offered to buy diapers and other basic necessities 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,” Sonko added.
The move is the latest in a series of charitable interventions by the former Nairobi governor, who has on several occasions provided financial support to Kenyans facing difficult circumstances.
