Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has denied more than 10 counts related to money laundering, receiving bribes and conflict of interest in a Sh357 million scandal.

While appearing before Milimani Law Courts on Monday morning, Sonko pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when he was arraigned before anti-corruption court magistrate Douglas Ogoti, in a packed court that was secured by anti-riot police officers.

He was represented by several lawyers led by Cecil Miller, who unsuccessfully applied for an anticipatory bail soon after the Governor was arrested in Voi in a dramatic scene captured on video on Thursday after the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji indicted him and 18 others.

Heavily armed anti-riot police officers were deployed around the court precincts following reports his supporters were planning to hold demonstrations, including the city centre to protest his arrest.

Sonko was escorted to court at 7 am in handcuffs, amid tight security.

His application to be released on bail will be heard today at 2:30 pm.