Saumu Mbuvi, daughter of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, has issued a strong public statement clarifying that she is not the woman featured in a viral video that has been widely circulated on social media.
In the statement shared through her Instagram Stories, Saumu urged the public and online platforms to stop spreading misinformation about her involvement.
Saumu’s Direct Message: “This is inaccurate and unwarranted”
In her post, Saumu expressed frustration at how quickly her name had been dragged into the controversy. She stated clearly:
“This is inaccurate and unwarranted. I am not the woman in that video so bloggers, media platforms and individuals should refrain from using my name and images in relation to the incident.”
Saumu stressed that the situation being circulated involves private family matters, and she emphasized that the people involved deserve sensitivity and respect. She further noted that she would not be issuing any more clarifications, saying:
“I will not be commenting further on this matter due to its sensitive nature. Thank you to everyone for understanding.”
Her message was aimed at correcting misinformation while reinforcing her long-standing advocacy on women’s safety and mental well-being.
Saumu’s Firm Denial and Call for Responsible Reporting
In her statement, Saumu expressed disappointment at how rapidly misinformation had circulated online, describing the association as “inaccurate and unwarranted.” She emphasized that any attempts to attach her identity to the incident were misleading and harmful.
“I wish to firmly and unequivocally condemn all forms of gender-based violence,” she wrote. “I do not, and will never, support any act of violence in any capacity.”
Also read: Saumu Mbuvi Breaks Silence After Father Sonko Publicly Reveals of Her Bipolar Struggles
She urged bloggers, social media pages, and media platforms to act responsibly, especially when covering sensitive family matters.
According to Saumu, the issue involves private circumstances that require care, discretion, and accuracy—qualities often overlooked in the rush to publish sensational content.
Why Saumu Was Dragged Into the Viral Video Claims
The confusion began after a video surfaced online showing Sonko confronting his son-in-law over allegations of physically assaulting his daughter, Salma.
In the footage, Sonko appears visibly frustrated as he questions the young man on why he had allegedly hit Salma. The video also shows Salma with visible marks on her body—believed to be evidence of the assault—prompting widespread concern and discussion about gender-based violence.
However, shortly after the clip went viral, a wave of misinformation spread across social media. Several bloggers and online platforms mistakenly identified the woman in the video as Saumu rather than Salma.
The mix-up quickly gained traction, causing speculation, false assumptions, and misleading posts that misrepresented the situation entirely.
This confusion prompted Saumu to publicly set the record straight, clarifying that she is not the woman in the viral clip and has no connection to the incident being circulated.
What Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Is and Why Saumu Spoke Strongly
Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harm inflicted on a person based on their gender, often rooted in unequal power dynamics.
It includes physical assault, emotional abuse, sexual violence, economic control, and other forms of harm.
In Kenya and globally, GBV disproportionately affects women and girls, making it a public health, human rights, and social justice concern.
By condemning GBV “firmly and unequivocally,” Saumu aligned her statement with ongoing national and global campaigns that call for:
Protection of survivors
Accountability for perpetrators
Responsible public discourse around sensitive incidents
Ending normalization of violence within families and relationships
Her message reinforces the importance of addressing GBV with seriousness, compassion, and factual accuracy—especially in an era where videos, rumours, and misinformation spread rapidly.
BY Judy mutinda
