By Shadrack Nyakoe
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has urged young couples across the country to prioritise communication and emotional safety in their relationships after rushing to assist his daughter following a distress call that he described as “every parent’s worstBy Shadrack Nyakoe
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has urged young couples across the country to prioritise communication and emotional safety in their relationships after rushing to assist his daughter following a distress call that he described as “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
The former county boss said the incident unfolded on an ordinary afternoon when his daughter phoned him in panic, prompting him and other family members to dash to her home.
“I knew something was wrong the moment I heard her voice,” Sonko said. “When your child calls you in fear, nothing prepares you for that. You just act.”
Sonko said that although his daughter did not have any physical injuries, she was visibly shaken. He described the emotional strain as “heartbreaking,” noting that the toll was evident even before she spoke.
“The pain in her eyes spoke louder than any words,” he said, adding that she had been battling emotional conflict in her marriage that had escalated over time.
The Sonko family, known for its strong public presence and close-knit image, has often showcased unity at public events and charity missions. His daughter described by family friends as independent, driven and respectful married young, but disagreements with her partner reportedly intensified in recent months.
The incident has reignited public debate on emotional abuse and rising tensions in young marriages across Kenya. Counsellors say many young couples face pressures they are unable to handle, leading to emotional or psychological violence that often goes unreported.
“People tend to think violence only means physical harm,” said counsellor Grace Mwende. “But emotional and verbal abuse can be equally devastating, and it is more widespread than many realise.”
Sonko echoed the concerns, noting that if his daughter surrounded by family support and resources — could experience such distress, then many young Kenyans could be suffering silently without help.
Calling for reflection and national dialogue, Sonko urged young partners to embrace communication, patience and mutual respect as essential tools for building stable unions.
“Marriage will always face storms,” he said. “But when disagreements turn into fear, that becomes a serious red flag. Emotional or physical violence has no place in any home. Love should protect, not destroy.”
The former governor said the experience shook his family deeply and should serve as a reminder that many families grapple with issues hidden behind closed doors.
“No parent should ever receive a call like that from their child,” he said. “And no partner should ever feel unsafe in the home they’re trying to build.”
Sonko expressed hope that openly addressing the incident will encourage more families and couples to seek help early and foster healthier, more resilient marriages.
“Behind every closed door is a story we may not know,” he said. “Some of those stories need to be told if they are to help others.” nightmare.”
The former county boss said the incident unfolded on an ordinary afternoon when his daughter phoned him in panic, prompting him and other family members to dash to her home.
“I knew something was wrong the moment I heard her voice,” Sonko said. “When your child calls you in fear, nothing prepares you for that. You just act.”
Sonko said that although his daughter did not have any physical injuries, she was visibly shaken. He described the emotional strain as “heartbreaking,” noting that the toll was evident even before she spoke.
“The pain in her eyes spoke louder than any words,” he said, adding that she had been battling emotional conflict in her marriage that had escalated over time.
The Sonko family, known for its strong public presence and close-knit image, has often showcased unity at public events and charity missions. His daughter described by family friends as independent, driven and respectful married young, but disagreements with her partner reportedly intensified in recent months.
The incident has reignited public debate on emotional abuse and rising tensions in young marriages across Kenya. Counsellors say many young couples face pressures they are unable to handle, leading to emotional or psychological violence that often goes unreported.
“People tend to think violence only means physical harm,” said counsellor Grace Mwende. “But emotional and verbal abuse can be equally devastating, and it is more widespread than many realise.”
Sonko echoed the concerns, noting that if his daughter surrounded by family support and resources — could experience such distress, then many young Kenyans could be suffering silently without help.
Calling for reflection and national dialogue, Sonko urged young partners to embrace communication, patience and mutual respect as essential tools for building stable unions.
“Marriage will always face storms,” he said. “But when disagreements turn into fear, that becomes a serious red flag. Emotional or physical violence has no place in any home. Love should protect, not destroy.”
The former governor said the experience shook his family deeply and should serve as a reminder that many families grapple with issues hidden behind closed doors.
“No parent should ever receive a call like that from their child,” he said. “And no partner should ever feel unsafe in the home they’re trying to build.”
Sonko expressed hope that openly addressing the incident will encourage more families and couples to seek help early and foster healthier, more resilient marriages.
“Behind every closed door is a story we may not know,” he said. “Some of those stories need to be told if they are to help others.”
