Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has defended his decision to publicly expose his daughter’s alleged domestic abuse case after Pastor Ng’ang’a criticized his approach.

On November 24, 2025, Sonko released a video justifying his actions, stating he shared the confrontation with his son-in-law to raise awareness about gender-based violence and encourage other victims to speak out.

During a church service on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Pastor Ng’ang’a had condemned Sonko’s public handling of the situation, arguing that the matter should have been resolved privately.

The controversial pastor expressed concern that the public confrontation, including Sonko’s disclosure that he financially supports his daughter’s family and pays for his grandchildren’s education, could harm the children and damage the marriage.

“You cannot publicly reveal such things or physically confront the man in front of your daughter when she marries someone less wealthy. Even if you are schooling her kids, you cannot put those things in public,” Ng’ang’a stated, warning that the incident undermines the institution of marriage and could negatively impact the daughter’s relationship.

In his response, Sonko maintained that he had to protect his daughter, revealing he had previously remained silent during earlier abuse incidents.

He emphasized that gender-based violence should not be hidden and encouraged Kenyans experiencing GBV to speak up.

“I don’t say these things to provoke people but I put them out there so that it can help people,” Sonko responded.

Pastor Ng’ang’a suggested that the husband’s family should address the issue privately with Sonko’s daughter.

The controversy emerges as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign begins.