Former Governor Mike Sonko Adopts Young Boy Who Witnessed Father's Fatal Stabbing in Mathare

Photo collage of Mike Sonko and his newly adopted son Baby James

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has adopted a three-year-old boy whose father was fatally stabbed while escorting him to school in Mathare. 

The boy, Baby James, witnessed the attack that claimed the life of his father, Michael Oworo, on a Monday morning.

In a statement on Saturday, January 25, Sonko announced that James would now be part of his family.

 “I thank God for blessing me with another son. Baby James, the child whose father was stabbed to death by thugs as he helplessly watched on a Monday morning in Mathare area 4 while taking him to school, will now be part of my family,” Sonko stated.

I thank God for blessing me with another son.
Baby James, the child whose father was stabbed to death by thugs as he helplessly watched on a monday morning in Mathare area 4 while taking him to school, will now be part of my family.
My special compliments to Mr. Victor Owiti… pic.twitter.com/GjIrpnBOdi

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) January 25, 2025

Oworo, a 32-year-old mason, was reportedly attacked by suspected robbers as he walked his son to a local baby care center. 

Witnesses said Oworo attempted to defend himself but succumbed to his injuries before medical assistance could arrive. 

The young boy, who was only a few meters away, was left crying at the scene.

Sonko, working with local leaders, was able to connect with James, who remains visibly affected by the incident. 

Collage of Mike Sonko and Baby James

"My special compliments to Victor Owiti, Sub-County Children's Officer Mathare, Christine Dembah, Senior Chief Mathare, Agness Nganga, Assistant Chief Utalii, Sophia Akinyi, SHOFCO gender champion Mathare, and Margret Nzuki, CPV Utalii, for taking good care of the boy from the day his father was murdered," Sonko said.

The former governor has committed to ensuring James receives the necessary psychological support to help him cope with the trauma. 

“Since the kid is traumatised, I will engage the services of a professional therapist for his healing journey. Thereafter, he will continue with his education at a different school of my choice,” Sonko added.

To support James in his transition, Sonko provided him with clothes, shoes, educational supplies, toys, and a bicycle. 

He further assured that he would personally accompany James to school.

Following the incident, residents of Mathare have raised concerns over rising insecurity in the area.

Some believe the attack was a robbery attempt, with Oworo possibly resisting before he was fatally wounded.

As investigations continue, Sonko has expressed his commitment to supporting James through his grief and ensuring his well-being moving forward.