Tuesday, November 18,
2025 - Media personality, Janet Mbugua, has praised former Nairobi Governor
Mike Sonko for stepping in to protect his daughter, Salma, from an abusive
marriage, saying his swift action may have saved her life.
In a video statement shared on Instagram, Janet acknowledged
Sonko’s notorious reputation but insisted that his response was exemplary.
“Yes, he is a polarising figure, but he did what most families fail
to do. He went straight into the gender-based recovery centre, and he saved her
life,” she said.
Mbugua highlighted the complex realities survivors face,
noting that abuse is rarely about choice.
“Fear and love live in the same space. Economic dependence is real.
Stigma and shame are real,” she explained, underscoring the
emotional and psychological traps victims often endure.
She urged families to be proactive and supportive, stressing
that compassion must extend beyond rescue.
“What does being proactive look like? It looks like checking in
even after a survivor has left. It means paying attention to signs or patterns
you can name, and being a safe space for the person affected. Remember, shame,
stigma, and fear are real.”
She encouraged Kenyans to share resources such as
Gender-Based Recovery Centres (GBRCs) and avoid judgment.
“It means sharing resources like GBRC and others online. But it
really means paying attention and not loading judgement on somebody who is
already fearing for her life,” she added.
The incident first came to light through Sonko’s social
media, where he described the distress call from Salma.
“Today, we received a distress call… her voice trembling, her
spirit broken. I acted immediately, because no mother or father can sit still
when their child is hurting,” he said.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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