Youth and women groups at the Kenyan coast waged a spirited defence of former Nairobi governor and leader of National Economic Development Party (NEDP) Mike Sonko following criticism of his recent humanitarian support to a needy family in Kwale County.

Describing the attack on Sonko as unwarranted and unfair, the groups said the personal attacks were motivated by fear that the former governor was coveting a political seat at the coast after relocating from Nairobi. Instead, the groups pointed out, Sonko’s critics should learn to differentiate between humanitarianism and political ambitions.

Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Thursday, the leaders called on Kenyans to celebrate rather than vilify individuals who use personal resources and influence to support economically vulnerable families.

The leaders were reacting to comments made by a parent in Kwale who questioned Sonko’s decision to publicise the support given to his daughter. The parent argued that acts of charity should remain private.

However, the coast leaders pointed out that the focus should be on the positive impact of the humanitarian side rather than the manner in which it was made public.

Led by Evans Momanyi, Joseph Onamu and Faith Munaa, the youth leaders said attempts to turn a humanitarian intervention into a public controversy risk discouraging well-wishers from helping needy Kenyans.

“We are deeply saddened by the sustained and coordinated attempts by certain individuals and vested interests to undermine the reputation, credibility and public standing of Mike Sonko,” Momanyi explained.

“It is unfortunate that when a leader steps forward to help a struggling family, some people choose to focus on politics and publicity instead of the lives being transformed through such support.”

The leaders noted that Sonko has built a reputation over the years for assisting vulnerable families, sponsoring education for needy children, supporting patients who are unable to afford treatment and responding to emergencies affecting ordinary Kenyans.

According to the group, judging his motives based on a single incident ignores a long history of charitable work that has touched thousands of lives across the country.

“Mike Sonko’s record of helping vulnerable members of society is well documented. His interventions have restored hope to many families at their lowest moments. It is unfair to allow one isolated incident to overshadow years of humanitarian support to the needy,” one of the leaders said.

They described Sonko as a political figure whose influence extends beyond elective office, noting that even after leaving public service he has remained actively involved in social and community welfare initiatives.

The leaders cautioned against what they described as the culture of online blackmail and character assassination, during which philanthropists are unfairly judged without looking at the bigger picture.

They observed that, while accountability remains important, criticism should be grounded in facts and fairness rather than speculation and political bias.

“As coast youth leaders, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, truth and fairness. We reject attempts to demonise individuals through coordinated smear campaigns. We appeal for a balanced national conversation based on facts rather than emotions,” the statement read.

The leaders also challenged Kenyans to reflect on the bigger picture of social responsibility, saying those with the ability to help should be encouraged rather than demonised.

Veteran community leader Margaret Omuga, popularly known as Mama Ambasa, observed that she had known Sonko’s family for decades and could personally attest to the former governor’s generosity long before he joined politics.

“I knew Mike Sonko before he became a politician and before many people knew his name. He grew up here at the coast and helping people has always been part of his life,” she said.

Ms Ambasa said Sonko’s support for the Kwale family should be viewed as a humanitarian gesture rather than a political move.

“Sonko has no political interests in Kwale and Msambweni. He simply responded to a family that needed help. We should appreciate such acts of humanitarianism instead of creating unnecessary controversy around them,” she said.

She pointed out that Sonko’s popularity and influence continue to make him a target for critics seeking to undermine his public standing. Her sentiments were echoed by elders Nassoro Mwabundu and Albert Ochieng, who told Kenyans to separate genuine acts of goodwill from political narratives.

The leaders said the true measure of leadership lies not in titles or positions, but in one’s willingness to stand with ordinary citizens in times of need.

The defence of Sonko comes against a backdrop of heated a furore sparked by his support for the Kwale family. While critics argue that charitable acts should be conducted without publicity, his supporters insist that public acts of generosity not only provide immediate assistance but can also inspire others to extend a helping hand to those in need.

• A Tell Media report / By Erick Indula