Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has unleashed a fiery response at Pastor James Ng’ang’a after the controversial preacher made remarks that appeared to belittle Sonko’s daughter, Saumu Mbuvi’s experience with gender-based violence.
In a heated online exchange, Sonko accused the pastor of trivialising a deeply painful chapter in his family’s life and undermining the wider fight for survivors’ rights.
“Shame on you, Pastor Ng’ang’a, shame on you! Nani amesema ukiwa mwanasiasa sheria haikuchungi wewe na watoto wako?” Sonko fired, condemning what he viewed as provocative insensitivity.
The former county boss went further, throwing direct jabs at the preacher. “wewe unazeeka vibaya either huoni or huskii”, Sonko said sharply.
“Fanya kazi ya Mungu! Tutakuombea., Hauna mtoto msichana… wewe keep quiet. Wacha kuprovoke watu,” he continued, emphasising that his GBV advocacy has always stood for “all assaulted victims of GBV,” not just his daughter.
Sonko then dug into Ng’ang’a’s controversial history, issues that have long sparked intense public debate.
He revisited the 2015 Naivasha–Nairobi highway accident, where Ng’ang’a was accused of allegedly knocking down Mercy Njeri, who died on the spot.
The former governor also referenced allegations of intimate partner violence involving the pastor.
“Already as a pastor, you are an intimate-partner violator… You assaulted your wife, Lucy, while she was pregnant. That’s why you don’t want to engage in GBV conversations,” Sonko argued.
Sonko’s anger stemmed from Pastor Ng’ang’a’s remarks, which appeared to downplay Saumu Mbuvi’s painful revelation that she endured physical abuse in her relationship, an ordeal her father has consistently highlighted as part of his wider advocacy against GBV.
Despite the public spat, Sonko insisted that his focus remains on the ongoing global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign he says is critical in standing with women who have survived abuse.
He called on Kenyans and the international community to stay committed to ending all forms of violence.
“We shall put him where he belongs, not clap for him on this serious matter,” Sonko stated, reaffirming his dedication to supporting survivors and demanding accountability from influential figures.