This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
Published on December 13, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was a notable absentee at this year's Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday.
Instead of attending the event, Sonko took to social media to wish a happy Jamhuri Day to Nairobi residents and Kenyans, stating that he was spending time at home following his release from custody on Wednesday.
"I am happy to join the rest of Kenyans in marking the 56th Jamhuri Day celebrations. To all Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large I wish y'all a happy Jamhuri Day," he wrote.
He also expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and well-wishers for their support during his recent ordeal, adding that he was continuing with treatment after posting bail the previous day.
"As I have always said, I am a law-abiding citizen, hence shall comply with the court's decision that I stay away from my office to let justice take its course," Sonko stated.
The celebrations were presided over by President Kenyatta, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley as the special guest. Other leaders in attendance included Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, among others.
