Saumu Mbuvi Speaks Out After Father Sonko Publicly Reveals Her Mental Health Struggles

Saumu Mbuvi, daughter of former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, has spoken out after her father publicly revealed her battle with mental health during a funeral, a disclosure she says was made without her consent.

The revelation came during the burial of former journalist Kimani Mbugua in Maragua, Murang’a County, where Sonko used the moment to highlight the importance of mental health awareness.

“The rich also cry, we also suffer in silence. To show Kimani Mbugua, Conjestina Achieng, and others that this disease of bipolar and mental illness comes from God, my own daughter Saumu Mbuvi is suffering from the same condition,” Sonko said, sparking widespread online reactions.

He went on to explain that he once took his daughter for treatment at Mama Amina’s rehabilitation centre in Mombasa, where she received care alongside Mbugua and former boxing star Conjestina Achieng.

“It’s not that I didn’t have money to treat my daughter in the US or London, mimi napenda kulia na maskini sana. I took my own daughter kwa Mama Amina akatibiwa pamoja na Kimani na Conjestina,” Sonko stated, noting that he wanted his family’s experience to inspire empathy among other patients so they wouldn’t feel abandoned.

Following Sonko’s remarks, social media users reacted strongly, with many expressing concern that such personal information was shared without Saumu’s permission.

In response, Saumu released a heartfelt statement addressing the situation and clarifying misconceptions surrounding her mental health journey.

“Lately, so much has been said about me—things that cut deeply, especially because they came from people I love. I’ve been called names, judged, and misunderstood by many who never stopped to ask what I was truly going through,” she began.

Saumu confirmed that she has been living with bipolar disorder, a condition that has challenged her emotionally and mentally. However, she firmly denied ever struggling with substance abuse.

“Yes, I’ve battled bipolar disorder, a condition that has tested me in ways words can hardly explain. But what I have never battled is drug addiction. I was never in rehab for that. I sought help for my mental health, not because I was lost in addiction, but because I was fighting to find myself again,” she clarified.

She went on to express her pain over being publicly shamed for seeking healing—especially by those closest to her—but also reflected on how the experience had strengthened her.

“It hurts to be shamed for trying to heal. It hurts even more when that shame comes from your own blood. But I’ve learned that pain can be sacred—it awakens strength you didn’t know you had.”

Encouraging others battling similar challenges, Saumu offered words of comfort and solidarity.

“To anyone who has ever been mocked for their mental health journey or judged for needing help: please know, you are not broken. You are human. You are worthy of understanding and love. I may be bruised, but I am not destroyed.”

In closing, she emphasized forgiveness, faith, and self-acceptance.

“Even through tears, I choose grace over bitterness, and truth over silence. My story isn’t one of shame; it’s one of survival, courage, and faith. And I know that, with time, God will turn even this pain into purpose. It’s okay not to be okay.” ❤️

Saumu’s powerful message has since resonated widely, sparking national discussions on mental health awareness, family privacy, and the importance of empathy for those struggling with mental illness.