Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken decisive action to support the survivor of a brutal gang rape in Laare, Meru County, pledging to underwrite her entire medical recovery and provide round-the-clock protection. The intervention comes just days after the flamboyant politician placed a KES 300,000 bounty on the perpetrators, signaling a personal crusade against gender-based violence (GBV) that has gripped the nation.

This is not merely a charitable donation; it is a scathing indictment of a system that often leaves victims vulnerable long after the crime. By stepping in to finance the survivor’s transfer to a specialized facility in Nairobi, Sonko has effectively bridged the gap between public outrage and tangible care. "We made a promise, and we are keeping it," Sonko declared in a statement released early Saturday. "The woman from Meru who survived a brutal gang rape is now under full medical care, protection, and support."

A Night of Horror in Laare

The assault, which occurred on December 1, 2025, during a traditional circumcision procession in Laare Town, Igembe North, has sent shockwaves through the region. According to police reports, the victim was accosted by a gang of boda boda riders who took advantage of the chaotic festivities to commit the heinous act. The brutality of the attack left the woman traumatized and in critical need of specialized medical attention, which local facilities were reportedly struggling to provide.

Sonko’s response was swift. Beyond the financial pledge, he deployed his private rescue team to Meru to facilitate the victim's evacuation. "This is about justice, accountability, and sending an unmistakable message," Sonko emphasized. "Anyone who harms our daughters, sisters, and mothers will face the full force of the law."

Swift Arrests and Community Outrage

Following Sonko’s high-profile involvement and the public outcry, law enforcement officers have intensified their crackdown. As of Saturday morning, police confirmed the arrest of nine suspects linked to the assault. The operation, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), involved targeted raids in the Irinde and Lubwa areas of Meru.

• Incident Date: December 1, 2025
• Location: Laare Town, Igembe North Sub-County
• Suspects in Custody: 9 individuals
• Sonko's Bounty: KES 300,000 for information

Local leaders have praised the swift police action but warned that the culture of silence surrounding GBV in the region must end. Meru has recently been identified as a hotspot for such crimes, with local NGOs reporting a disturbing rise in assaults during festive seasons.

A Personal Crusade

For Sonko, this fight is personal. His aggressive stance against GBV follows a recent, widely publicized incident involving his own daughter, Salma Mbuvi, who was allegedly assaulted by her husband in November. That domestic crisis appears to have galvanized the former governor, transforming him into a vocal advocate for women's safety.

"If my own daughter can face harassment in her own home, what about the countless young women in Kenya who suffer silently?" Sonko questioned last month. His current intervention in Meru suggests a shift from rhetoric to direct action, leveraging his resources to assist those without his political clout.

As the survivor begins her long road to recovery in Nairobi, the spotlight remains firmly on the judicial process. Sonko has vowed to monitor the case until a verdict is reached. "We will hunt down every perpetrator," he warned. "We will stand with the survivor until justice is done. And we will not stop fighting until this violence is ended, once and for all."