- Mike Sonko expressed fury after his second-born daughter Salma Mbuvi was assaulted by her husband
- In a phone conversation, Salma detailed the circumstances that led to the assault, with Sonko noting that it was not the first time she had suffered violence in her marriage
- In a video, Sonko explained how victims of gender-based violence or any form of assault can get help free of charge in Nairobi
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has publicly spoken out after his second-born daughter, Salma Mbuvi, was allegedly assaulted by her husband in Kitengela.
Source: Facebook
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, November 16, has drawn attention to the rising cases of domestic violence.
According to Salma, she was slapped twice by her husband after she demanded breakfast.
Distressed and shaken, she immediately called her mother in tears, explaining that she had no money and that her children were hungry.
“Mum, are you free today you come for me?… I am not okay. I just asked for breakfast, and I was slapped twice, and I did not have money… He came in the morning, and I have been telling him the kids are hungry… Come for me, mum; I am tired,” Salma said, crying.
Her mother assured her that she would come to her aid and quickly alerted Sonko.
Sonko revealed that this was not the first time his daughter had suffered violence in her marriage.
He claimed Salma had been assaulted more than ten times previously, but he had chosen to remain silent, treating the couple as his own children.
How did Sonko confront Salma’s husband?
Angry and furious, Sonko drove to Kitengela to confront his son-in-law, who is heavily built.
According to the politician, the assault left a visible dent on Salma’s face. Sonko questioned the man’s actions, pointing out that he had been supporting the couple both financially and materially.
“Why are you beating my daughter? You are big-bodied; you have more energy than her. I pay for your rent and food, bought you a car, I school your children, and am even doing your shopping because I know your income is low. If I hit you, how will you feel? And it is not the first time.
If she is not going to report the matter to the police, I will report it myself. You have hurt her enough. Look at the many dents she has because of your violence. If you have issues, why don’t you consult the parents?” Sonko asked during the confrontation.
In response, the son-in-law reportedly pleaded for forgiveness, assuring Sonko that he loved Salma and that the incident was only a ‘slight argument.’
Despite the assault, Salma appeared protective of her husband during the confrontation.
When one of Sonko’s bodyguards attempted to slap the man back, she intervened, shielding him from further violence.
Sonko, however, ordered his team to remain calm, insisting that violence was not the solution.
“Follow my orders; do not be violent,” he instructed.
Did Sonko take his daughter home?
Sonko later took his daughter back home and accompanied her to Nairobi Women’s Hospital for a medical check-up.
Source: Facebook
He warned his son-in-law to come to his home to resolve the matter and cautioned couples against resorting to violence, especially over economic challenges.
“I have come here to speak about it because I was hurt as a parent. This is how our daughters are killed. This issue must stop. I controlled myself, but I will not do so next time. I did not do it to expose my daughter and family. I took my daughter and the kids; we are home with them. But young people, do not be violent,” Sonko said.
He further advised victims of gender-based violence to seek help at Nairobi Women’s Hospital, where treatment, including scans, is offered free of charge.
Mosiria rescues woman from abusive boyfriend
In other news, Nairobi chief environment officer Geoffrey Mosiria intervened after witnessing a young woman being assaulted by her boyfriend over excessive drinking.
He described the incident as a disturbing example of how irresponsible alcohol use can lead to domestic violence.
Mosiria confronted the man directly, questioning his actions and challenging his treatment of the woman. He then took steps to ensure the victim’s safety by contacting her mother and informing her of the situation.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
