Flamboyant Nairobi governor released on bail

Mike Sonko, the governor of Kenya's capital Nairobi, is to be released from custody after being detained for five days following his arrest on corruption-related charges.

A court directed that he post a $150,000 (£114,000) cash bail.

The controversial politician had been charged with making irregular payments amounting to over $3.5m as well as for unlawful acquisition of public property and money laundering.

The judge barred him from accessing his office unless he is accompanied by investigators, he has also been blocked from appointing a deputy, stirring a debate about who will be in charge of Nairobi.

The capital has not had a deputy governor since the abrupt resignation of Polycarp Igathe, after he fell out with the governor early last year.

Some political observers have pointed to a law which says the speaker of the Nairobi county assembly should take over in the absence of a deputy governor after which a fresh election must be held in 60 days.

Others say the president has powers to dissolve the county’s political administration to pave way for fresh elections.

Mike Sonko's gold-loving, flashy lifestyle has been questioned especially at times when the city is lacking essential services.

He recently posted pictures on social media of himself in his gold-themed dining room.

Still, he remains highly popular especially among Nairobi’s poor electorate who see him as a very charitable leader.