Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko was on Saturday involved in a dramatic confrontation with his son-in-law after receiving a distress call from one of his daughters, who claimed she had been physically assaulted by her husband.

In a video shared on his social media platforms, Sonko said he rushed to his daughter’s home immediately after she called her mother in tears, alleging that her husband had slapped her during a disagreement over breakfast.

“Today, we received a distress call from our daughter that shook us to the core — her voice trembling, her spirit broken,” Sonko said. “As a parent, nothing prepares you for the moment your child reaches out in fear, in pain, or in desperation. I acted immediately, because no mother or father can sit still when their child is hurting.”

Heated Confrontation Caught on Camera

Upon arriving at the couple’s home, Sonko and his team confronted the son-in-law, who remained silent when asked to explain why he had allegedly hit his wife. The former governor revealed during the exchange that he had been supporting the couple financially — paying rent, school fees, groceries, and even purchasing a Range Rover for them.

Sonko expressed shock that despite such support, his daughter could still be subjected to domestic violence. He questioned what this meant for other women across Kenya who have far fewer resources or support systems.

“If my own daughter can face harassment in her own home, what about the countless young women and men in Kenya who suffer silently, with no one to defend them?” he posed.

Calls for Victims to Seek Help

Sonko urged victims of domestic violence not to suffer in silence, noting that many hospitals, including those in low-income areas, offer services for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Despite emotions running high during the confrontation, Sonko restrained his team from retaliating physically, insisting that violence would not resolve the situation.

At the end of the standoff, he left with his daughter and issued a stern warning to his son-in-law to never lay a hand on her again. However, he noted that he remained open to a calm and honest discussion with him in the future.

Sonko’s Message to Young Couples

In a heartfelt reflection, Sonko shared a message to young couples, urging them to approach marital challenges with maturity and dialogue rather than aggression.

“Marriage is never a smooth road. It is built through storms and sunshine, through patience, forgiveness, and understanding,” he said. “But when challenges turn into violence, when love turns into fear, then the foundation of that marriage is shaken. No one deserves that.”

He encouraged couples to choose peace and communication over anger.

“Choose dialogue before anger. Pause, breathe, and talk — rather than hurt the person you vowed to protect. Violence doesn’t solve anything; it only destroys the heart, the home, and the future.”

The incident has sparked fresh conversations about domestic violence in Kenya, highlighting the importance of support systems, intervention, and open dialogue in safeguarding victims.