NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko says he has rescued a young woman from Mwiki, Nairobi City County, who was allegedly tied up, defiled, assaulted and filmed by her ex-boyfriend in a months-long ordeal that left her traumatised and fearing for her life.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Sonko said the victim had been hiding at her cousin’s house, terrified the suspect would track her down. He added that the young woman had reportedly contemplated suicide before her friend intervened and sought help.
“We have finally traced the young girl who was brutalised, tied up, raped, and filmed. Her suffering is unspeakable, and at one point, she was driven so low that she nearly took her own life,” Sonko said.
“But she is alive today because of the courage of her friend, who refused to let her give up.”
According to Sonko, the suspect was initially arrested but allegedly secured his release from police custody after pretending to be drunk. The former governor claims the man had been assaulting the woman since November, eventually tying her up, assaulting her, filming the abuse and later burning her house.
Sonko said both the victim and the friend who helped her have been placed under protection. He vowed to follow the matter closely, insisting the case would not be allowed to fade.
“This case will not be buried. Justice will be pursued lawfully, relentlessly, and without compromise,” he stated.
He later announced that detectives had traced and re-arrested the suspect, who is now in custody and expected to face multiple charges, including grievous harm, arson, and issuing threats to kill.
“We extend our deep and sincere appreciation to the DCI and the entire team for their swift, decisive action,” Sonko added.
By the time of publication, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had not released a formal statement confirming the arrest.
The incident comes just days after Sonko publicly confronted his son-in-law over alleged domestic abuse involving his daughter — a confrontation that has positioned the former Nairobi governor as a vocal advocate against sexual and gender-based violence.
