Sonko pledges legal aid, overseas treatment for acid attack victim

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Tuesday visited Mary Claire, a victim of acid attack at the Kenyatta National Hospital, offering legal and treatment support.

Claire, a singer with SDA group Redemption Ministers, was allegedly attacked by her ex-boyfriend.

During the visit, Sonko comforted her and assured her that she would not face the aftermath alone. He pledged to provide legal support and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“We will provide you with lawyers at our cost,” Sonko said.

He further reassured her of continued medical support, saying he would personally cater for her treatment.

“Even if it is abroad, we will take you, but we have confidence in this hospital okay,” he added, expressing trust in the services offered at Kenyatta National Hospital.

“This was cruel, inhumane and unacceptable,” Sonko said in a statement following the visit.

The attack left her with severe injuries, drawing outrage from the public and renewed concern over rising cases of gender-based violence.

Before leaving the hospital, Sonko extended his visit to other patients in the same ward. In a gesture that many described as compassionate, he offered support and gifts to more than six additional patients.

Among them was a woman who had reportedly suffered a horrific domestic assault in which her husband allegedly chopped off her hand before going into hiding. The case has since drawn attention, with Sonko promising to follow up and push for justice for the victim, identified as Daisy Cherotich from Narok county.

The patients expressed gratitude, offering prayers and blessings for Sonko, with some recalling similar acts of kindness during his tenure as governor.

Online, many Kenyans praised his actions, describing him as a leader who continues to show up for ordinary citizens in times of need.

“This man has helped so many people,” read one comment of a user who shared a personal story, saying, “You helped my sister at Kenyatta Hospital when you were governor. God bless you.”

However, the incident also ignited a broader conversation about gender-based violence and whether support systems are applied fairly across genders. Some social media users pointed out that male victims of domestic violence often receive less attention and support.

One comment highlighted a recent case where a man allegedly suffered severe burns after his wife poured hot water on him before fleeing. “We have selective justice when it comes to gender-based violence. Men are being ignored when they are victims,” the user wrote.

This perspective was met with mixed reactions. Some women argued that advocacy and visibility often depend on who speaks up. “Who is stopping men from defending their gender?” one response read. “We women speak out and demand justice. Men should do the same.”

Sonko, in his statement, emphasised solidarity with victims of violence, particularly women and girls, while urging individuals to walk away from toxic relationships instead of resorting to harm.

As reactions continue to pour in, the incident has not only highlighted individual acts of compassion but also reignited an important national conversation about justice, advocacy, and equality in addressing all forms of domestic violence.