Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has publicly praised former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko for what she described as a deeply measured and commendably calm response after his daughter, Salma, called home in distress, claiming that she had been assaulted by her husband.

Passaris, in an emotional statement shared on X on Monday, November 17, 2025, said the incident unfolded in the most harrowing way for any parent, revealing that Salma’s cry for help came unexpectedly and with the kind of trembling fear that instantly unsettles any parent.

She noted that the incident has once again drawn the country’s attention to the stark reality of domestic violence, especially at a time when the nation is preparing to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“There are some phone calls no parent should ever have to receive. A call from your daughter, in tears, saying she has been assaulted by the father of her children or anyone for that matter is a pain no parent should endure,” Passaris said, adding that the episode should remind Kenyans that violence in the home is a wound that tears at the soul of families.

Passaris further emphasised that men must stop normalising aggression in the family space, saying that the fight against gender-based violence must begin with ensuring that homes are sanctuaries rather than battlefields.

She also clarified that violence should never be justified on the basis of gender, noting that every Kenyan must uphold dignity within intimate relationships.

“As we gear up for the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, we must confront the reality that we cannot continue normalizing violence in our homes. Our brothers, our sons and our partners must not raise their hands against our girls and women in any form or shape. Equally, no one should assault another, regardless of gender,” Passaris wrote.

While recounting her view of Sonko’s reaction, she applauded him for holding back the urge to retaliate, despite the intense emotional pain of seeing his daughter distressed and allegedly harmed.

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She praised the former governor for choosing a path of restraint rather than rage, even though he had arrived at the home and confronted his son-in-law directly, demanding an explanation for the alleged incident.

“I want to applaud H.E. Governor @MikeSonko for exercising restraint in such a tearing moment, choosing to address the matter firmly yet peacefully. I also stand with Saumu Mbuvi, and pray that she finds healing, strength, and the support she needs during this difficult time,” Passaris wrote.

The incident, which first came to public attention through a video shared on Sonko’s social media pages, began when Salma asked her husband what they would have for breakfast, only for the domestic atmosphere to spiral, culminating in the slap that led her to call her parents in fear.

Sonko, who was visibly shaken in his remarks, said he acted immediately because no parent can remain still when their child’s well-being is under threat.

“Today, we received a distress call from our daughter that shook us to the core, her voice trembling, her spirit broken. As a parent, nothing prepares you for the moment your child reaches out in fear, in pain, or in desperation. I acted immediately, because no mother or father can sit still when their child is hurting,” Sonko said in his statement.

In the footage, Sonko is seen confronting his son-in-law while surrounded by his team, repeatedly pressing him to explain why he would raise his hand against his daughter.

Despite the charged moment, Sonko is heard instructing his team not to lay a hand on the young man, insisting that physical retaliation would accomplish nothing.