This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
On December 12, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko made a surprise return to the public eye with a Jamhuri Day message to Kenyans, just days after being released from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison on graft charges.
Despite earlier reports of his serious illness and hospitalization, Sonko took to Twitter to express his gratitude and celebrate the country's 56th Jamhuri Day.
"I'm happy to join the rest of Kenyans in marking the 56th Jamhuri day celebrations. Jamuhuri Day reminds us of the power of independence and why it's important for every one of us to fight for our rightful position in society and all spheres of life," his post read.
However, Sonko's message was met with mixed reactions from netizens, with some welcoming him back to freedom and others mocking his 'sudden illness' and 'miraculous quick recovery'.
"Brathe ulisomewa kesi mingi kuliko zile kura miguna alipata Nairobi," said Baite, one of the many who took to Sonko's page to share their thoughts.
As Kenyans are known to do, some netizens couldn't resist making light of the situation, with one user wondering if Sonko was tweeting from Kenyatta National Hospital, while another joked that he must have been 'fully healed'.
