Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has raised fresh concern over the alarming number of Kenyans quietly suffering Gender-Based Violence (GBV), revealing that dozens have reached out to him since he publicly shared his daughter’s ordeal.
Sonko says the magnitude of pain hidden behind closed doors has left him deeply shaken, describing it as a “time bomb” that had long been waiting to explode.
According to Sonko, the response he received after opening up about his daughter’s experience exposed just how widespread and unaddressed GBV remains across the country.
Many of those who reached out, he says, are people who have endured abuse in silence—fearing judgment, lacking support, or simply not knowing where to seek help. Others shared stories of losing family members to the brutal and lingering effects of domestic violence.
Among the distressing testimonies, one message struck him hardest: a young girl revealing years of horrific abuse allegedly inflicted by her own cousin.
Sonko described the account as heartbreaking, a story filled with fear, betrayal, and unbearable loneliness.
He vowed to personally follow up on her case, promising to use every resource available to ensure she receives justice and protection.
“I will not be silent,” Sonko declared, reaffirming his commitment to speak boldly and consistently against GBV. He emphasized that no one deserves to suffer in silence and pledged to keep advocating until the country confronts and defeats what he termed “the monster called GBV.”
Sonko also used the moment to address Kenyan comedians and content creators, cautioning them against turning GBV into a punchline.
While expressing his continued support for youth talent, he urged entertainers to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Making jokes about GBV, he warned, only minimizes the suffering of survivors and reinforces a culture of silence.
His remarks have sparked wide conversation online, with many Kenyans applauding his openness and others calling for collective responsibility in addressing the rising cases of abuse.
Sonko’s message adds to growing national calls for stronger enforcement of GBV laws, more accessible reporting channels, and a cultural shift that supports survivors without stigma.
As the conversation intensifies, Sonko maintains that his voice “will not rest,” insisting that speaking out is not just a choice but a duty—one he intends to honor relentlessly.
By Kenyans