Nearly 200 people arrested during the June 25 Gen Z second anniversary protests regained their freedom on Friday after former Nairobi Governor and National Economic Development Party (NEDP) leader Mike Mbuvi Sonko settled their court-ordered cash bail.
The protesters had been presented before Milimani Chief Magistrate Teresia Nyangena, where they faced obstruction charges arising from their alleged involvement in Wednesday’s demonstrations.
After hearing arguments from lawyers representing the accused, the court directed that each suspect be released upon depositing Ksh1,000 cash bail pending the hearing of the case.
With the total amount coming to about Ksh200,000, Sonko volunteered to clear the bail, allowing the accused persons to leave custody as they await the next stage of the proceedings.
Addressing the media outside the courtroom, Sonko said he was motivated by a desire to ensure the young people were not kept behind bars while their case is still before the court.
“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.
The matter will return to court on July 2, 2026, for mention and further directions.
Earlier in the day, Sonko also came to the assistance of a woman who had appeared in court carrying her infant after her arrest during the protests. He offered to buy diapers and other baby essentials after learning of her situation.
“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 intervention was welcomed by relatives and supporters who had gathered at the Milimani Law Courts, with many praising the former governor’s decision to facilitate the release of the protesters pending the determination of their case.
