NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko supported endometriosis warrior Natalie Githinji, comedian and activist Eric Omondi has revealed.
Omondi disclosed the contribution on Tuesday, September 29, as he addressed the controversy surrounding politicians’ attendance at Natalie’s Endometriosis Warriors awareness event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Sunday.
According to Omondi, Sonko contributed the money but did not attend the event.
“Sonko Ali support Natalie na Sh 400K na hakukuja KICC,” Omondi said.
The revelation came after the KICC gathering became embroiled in controversy over the appearance of nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, who attended despite organisers having agreed that politicians would not participate.
Sections of the crowd interrupted Nyamu as she addressed the gathering, chanting “Wantam” and making it difficult for her to deliver her remarks. Nyamu later said she had anticipated the reaction because of Omondi’s involvement in the event and his public criticism of the government.
Omondi brought up Sonko’s contribution while explaining why organisers had decided to keep politicians away from the KICC event.
He said the organisers wanted the gathering to focus on Natalie, women living with endometriosis and the wider awareness campaign rather than political personalities.
“We had given orders kwa gate, no politicians because they would divert conversation, and it was about endometriosis and Natalie,” Omondi said.
He said organisers had established two reasons for keeping politicians away.
“The brief was very simple: no politicians allowed because of two reasons,” Omondi said.
He questioned why politicians would attend an event after organisers had deliberately set that boundary.
“Ata wewe ulijua ni nini itafanyika, kwa nini haungepatia Natalie moment yake?” Omondi asked.
The comments came specifically in reference to Nyamu, who attended the event and addressed the audience despite the organisers’ position.
The discussion about politicians’ support had already drawn a response from Saumu Mbuvi, Sonko’s daughter.
Mbuvi pushed back against claims that politicians had failed to support Natalie, saying some aspirants had tried to help without seeking public recognition.
“Don’t say all aspirants kuna wenye Kama sisi tulijaribu in our own capacity, and didn’t want credit for it,” Mbuvi said.
She also said the purpose of the KICC gathering was to recognise people living with endometriosis and support the fight against the condition.
“The Goal was one, to recognise endometriosis warriors and the fight against it,” she said.
Her comments came a day before Omondi publicly identified Sonko as one of the people who had financially supported Natalie.
Natalie’s Endometriosis Warriors event brought thousands of people to KICC for an awareness campaign centred on women living with the condition.
