Saumu Mbuvi, daughter of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, has publicly clarified that she is not the woman featured in a viral video circulating on social media. The footage, showing Sonko confronting his son-in-law over alleged abuse of his daughter Salma, was mistakenly linked to Saumu by several bloggers and online platforms.
Statement from Saumu Mbuvi
Through her Instagram Stories, Saumu described the association as “inaccurate and unwarranted” and urged the public and media to stop spreading misinformation about her. She stated, “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 emphasized that the situation depicted involves private family matters and called for sensitivity and discretion. She also indicated that she would not issue further statements, saying, “I will not be commenting further on this matter due to its sensitive nature. Thank you to everyone for understanding.”
Condemnation of Gender-Based Violence
In addition to correcting the misinformation, Saumu reaffirmed her strong stance against gender-based violence (GBV). She wrote, “I wish to firmly and unequivocally condemn all forms of gender-based violence. I do not, and will never, support any act of violence in any capacity.” Her statement highlights the importance of responsible reporting and urges media platforms and social media users to exercise care and accuracy when covering sensitive issues.
Background of the Viral Video
The confusion began after a video of Sonko confronting his son-in-law over allegations that he assaulted Salma went viral. In the footage, Salma appears with visible marks, prompting public concern and discussions about domestic abuse. Several media outlets mistakenly identified the woman in the video as Saumu, fueling false assumptions and misleading posts that misrepresented the situation.
Advocacy for Accuracy and Women’s Safety
By setting the record straight, Saumu reinforced her advocacy for women’s safety and mental well-being. She stressed that gender-based violence remains a critical public health, human rights, and social justice issue, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Her message calls for ending the normalization of violence within families and emphasizes the need for society to approach such issues with seriousness, sensitivity, and factual integrity.
Saumu’s clarification underscores the importance of accuracy and compassion when addressing GBV, while highlighting the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.
