Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko on Friday paid cash bail for about 200 protesters arrested during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations to secure their release.

The protesters were arraigned before Milimani Chief Magistrate Teresia Nyangena and charged with obstruction after their arrest on Thursday.

Following submissions by their lawyers, Chief Magistrate Nyangena released each protester on Ksh1,000 cash bail pending hearing of the case.

Sonko, who was in court, then offered to pay the Ksh1,000 ($7.71) for all 200 accused persons. The total pay-out was Ksh200,000.

“These are young Kenyans who deserve justice and fair treatment. I have paid the Ksh1,000 ($7.71) cash bail for each of them so they can go back to their families as they wait for their day in court,” Sonko said.

Earlier, Sonko also helped a female protester who was arraigned with her baby. He said he would buy diapers and other baby essentials for her.

“No mother should have to worry about caring for her child while going through such an ordeal. I was touched and felt I had to help,” he said.

The move bolsters Sonko’s reputation for charity. The former governor is known for donating to and supporting vulnerable Kenyans.

• A Tell Media report / By Elizabeth Were