Sonko could lose two million Instagram followers
Standard Entertainment
By
Solomon Koko
| Apr 13, 2024
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.
READ MORE
Kingdom Bank hits jackpot with SMEs, rural push as net profit hits Sh946m
Iran war a blessing in disguise for Lamu Port
State roots for value addition to boost industrial output
Kenya eyes new trade deals as Chinese VP lands in Nairobi
How PwC freeze casts shadow on Kenya infrastructure agenda
Sh650 billion project: Questions raised over Ruto's Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR expansion plan
Ketraco gets nod to reappoint board after petition struck out
Kenya targets 240,000 youth jobs in fisheries sector expansion
Kenya's insurance industry faces its claims moment
Co-op Bank posts Sh29.75b profit, proposes a record Sh14.67 billion dividend
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."