NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has reaffirmed his commitment to nurturing young leaders, following a meeting with three ambitious youth he has pledged to mentor into future political figures.
In a post shared on Wednesday, Sonko revealed that Kavuli Bernard, Billy Mwangi, and Peter Muteti had paid him a courtesy call at his office, where they discussed leadership, public service, and the challenges facing Kenya’s youth.
“These brave and courageous young men just paid me a courtesy call this morning. They’ve remained strong and focused in their dream of becoming leaders in this country,” Sonko said. “I’ll continue to guide and inspire our young people to become better leaders.”
Sonko, who has built a reputation for engaging directly with youth and disadvantaged Kenyans, said he believes mentorship is key to solving challenges like joblessness and disillusionment.
“I always say joblessness and idleness are the main factors affecting our young people,” he noted. “We must lift them, walk with them, and help them lead.”
I always say joblessness and idleness are the main factors affecting our young people. These brave and courageous young men, Kavuli Bernard, Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti just paid me a courtesy call in my office this morning. They lost their jobs as a result of their abduction.
Billy Mwangi has already declared his interest in the Embu senatorial race, underscoring the group’s ambitions.
Sonko said he is proud to see young people stepping forward with courage and purpose.
He pledged to walk with them on their leadership journey, adding that Kenya’s future depends on empowered youth.
The three were among the six youths reportedly abducted after posting critical views of President William Ruto’s government on social media.
Billy Mwangi, who was abducted from a barber shop on December 21 and returned home on January 6, has since announced his intention to contest the Embu senatorial seat in 2027. On the same day of his release, Muteti and Kavuli were also freed after weeks in undisclosed detention.
Their disappearance sparked nationwide outrage and reignited public concern over the state’s use of enforced disappearances and extra-legal arrests, particularly against vocal critics of the government.
The abductions also triggered broader debates on civil liberties, online activism, and the boundaries of political expression in Kenya.
Human rights groups and the Law Society of Kenya condemned the actions and demanded full investigations.
Sonko, known for his populist politics and flamboyant style, now says he will step up his involvement in youth empowerment by offering mentorship to those with political ambitions.
