Sonko could lose two million Instagram followers

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko risks losing two million followers on Instagram over a video.

His social media account has been suspended after the politician shared an explicit video and a message which were flagged as offensive.

Sonko had shared the video of young men sexually assaulting a woman, which went viral last week.

It was, however, the caption in the video that reportedly went overboard; he promised a cash reward for members of the public to lynch the suspects in the video.

According to a police report, the incident took place in Chebanyi village in Kimaya, Chepalungu, Bomet County and led police to detain seven suspects who are awaiting trial.

In his post, Sonko promised a cash reward for the culprits to be punished.

“This is inhumane and I am willing to give a cash reward of 1 million shillings anytime any of these thugs seen in the video is taken down,” Sonko’s caption read in part.

The post attracted thousands of likes in minutes as his followers flooded the comment section with divergent views before his account was pulled down.

But according to Sonko, he does not regret his remarks and has already appealed to the social media app over the suspension.

“I strongly condemn the act and whilst bringing the perpetrators to book is justice for the victim, they (Instagram) should be taught a bigger lesson to discourage such characters in the society,” he said.

Sonko acknowledged that he may have reacted extremely when sharing the post.

He however noted that Instagram should be able to critically analyse and rethink their action of pulling down posts that promote safe and equal treatment of citizens.

“We are our own moral cops and such elements and vices should be brought to light to enlighten and create awarenes,” he explained.

Adding that, “It’s unimaginable to even think that were it (not) for social media, the perpetrators would be scot-free with the victim bearing all the burden by herself.”