Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has brought attention to the growing concerns around domestic abuse after revealing that his daughter reached out to the family seeking urgent assistance over an incident at her home.
Sonko shared the information in a statement on X, noting that the call left the family deeply worried and prompted immediate intervention.
His remarks focused less on the specifics of the case and more on the broader challenge facing many Kenyan households, where disputes sometimes escalate into violence.
Sonko did not release details about what happened, who was involved, or whether the matter had been reported to authorities, stressing instead the need for safer environments within families.
According to his public statement, his daughter sounded distressed and “broken,” prompting him to reflect on the vulnerability of many young people in their own homes.
Domestic abuse remains a national concern, with periodic spikes in cases often highlighted by human rights groups and state agencies.
Kenya’s devolved governance structure has pushed counties to strengthen support systems such as gender desks in police stations and community awareness programs aimed at preventing violence.
Despite these efforts, cases involving young couples continue to rise, particularly in urban centres like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru.
In his message, Sonko urged partners to seek non-violent methods of resolving disagreements.
Quoting directly from his X post, he appealed to couples to “choose peace” and pursue dialogue instead of anger. He added that violence undermines the stability of a home and leaves lasting damage.
His comments echo ongoing campaigns by government agencies encouraging conflict resolution and the reporting of abuse before situations worsen.
Sonko also addressed the emotional toll on parents who receive distress calls from their children. He said no family should have to experience such a moment and emphasised the importance of building households where conversations can happen without fear.
His intervention adds to the broader national discussion on safeguarding vulnerable individuals within marriage and family setups.
While the former governor did not indicate whether legal or protective steps will follow, his public appeal has amplified concerns around the safety of young couples in Kenya.