Mike Sonko, born Mbuvi Gideon Kioko, is one of Kenya’s most recognizable and controversial political figures.
His journey has taken him from prison cells to Nairobi’s City Hall. The former governor has also built a reputation for philanthropy, particularly through the Sonko Rescue Team, while remaining active in politics and grassroots mobilization.
Mike Sonko Early Life and Education
Mike Sonko was born on February 27, 1975, in Mombasa. He attended Kikowani Primary School in Mombasa and later Kwale High School for his secondary education.
College: He is reported to have studied Business Administration and Management at Edexcel International College in Mwanza, Tanzania. Sonko then ventured into business.
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After entering politics, Sonko enrolled at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) in 2013 and pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration.
He graduated in July 2015. During his graduation, he noted that he had earlier prioritized making money over education, since he returned to university after 15 years of completing his secondary school education.
He also received an honorary doctorate of excellence from European Digital University in 2019 as an honorary recognition.
In 1998, he was convicted in two cases involving failure to appear in court. Unable to pay the fines, he was committed to Shimo La Tewa Prison.
Sonko was re-arrested in 2000 and was subsequently held at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison before the High Court reduced his sentence to the period already served in 2001.
Sonko later built a profile in business and grassroots activism before entering elective politics. In 2010, he won the Makadara parliamentary seat in a by-election, marking his first breakthrough in national politics.
Three years later, he became Nairobi’s first senator after winning the 2013 elections.
While serving as senator, he established the Sonko Rescue Team, an initiative that offered emergency and social services to residents, particularly in Nairobi’s informal settlements. The team became associated with ambulances, fire engines, security patrol vehicles, and other forms of assistance.
Nairobi Governor and Political Fall
During the highly contested gubernatorial election in 2027, Sonko defeated incumbent Evans Kidero and became Nairobi’s second governor.
As a governor, he faced several political disagreements with the county assembly and his administration.
In December 2019, he was arrested over corruption allegations and detained at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison and later released on bail. Sonko was barred from accessing his office as the case proceeded.
In December 2020, the Senate upheld his impeachment, removing him from the governorship over charges including abuse of office, gross misconduct and alleged violations of national law. Sonko denied the allegations.
Sonko Rescue Team, Philanthropy and Business Ventures
After leaving elective office, Sonko has remained active through humanitarian work and politics.
His Sonko Rescue Team continues to be associated with emergency assistance, support for vulnerable families, and other grassroots interventions.
In March 2026, the team offered coffins and transportation for families of 27 people who had died in Nairobi floods.
Sonko has also expanded his political activities. He is the leader of the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), which received full registration from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties on December 9, 2025. The party has since participated in political activities and begun building its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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Through his philanthropic activities, in May 2026, Sonko received the Heroes of Africa Award for his humanitarian and charitable work.
Mike Sonko’s Family
Mike Sonko is married to Primrose Mbuvi, who is involved in some of his business and philanthropic activities.
The couple has children, including daughters Saumu Mbuvi and Sandra Mbuvi. He also has several adopted kids.
Mike Sonko’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Mike Sonko has not publicly disclosed his net worth. However, his income comes from his several business ventures. In 2019, he said his assets were worth more than KSh32 billion.
He has also publicly displayed title deeds and vehicle logbooks. In March 2026, he secured a court victory that freed assets worth KSh537 million after a prolonged legal battle over the property.
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