Mike Sonko has announced that Baby James will remain under his care after the child reportedly refused to return to his relatives in Kisii, a decision that has intensified an ongoing guardianship dispute attracting national attention.
In a statement issued on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, Sonko explained that he had initially planned to send the boy back to his family following a request from relatives. However, he changed course after the child resisted the move.
“Last night, I made arrangements to take Baby James back to Kisii. However, as I calmly prepared him, following his uncle’s request and without applying any pressure, the child clearly and firmly refused. He chose to remain under my care,” Sonko claimed.
Sonko says child’s welfare comes first
The former Nairobi governor said he respects the child’s wishes and intends to continue caring for him. According to Sonko, Baby James’ safety, stability, and education remain his top priorities as the dispute unfolds.
The situation has triggered widespread debate online and within the extended family. Some relatives insist the boy should return to Kisii, while others support Sonko’s decision to continue providing guardianship in Nairobi.
Sonko also addressed speculation circulating on social media, urging the public to be cautious about unverified claims related to the child’s situation.
“Not everything seen on social media reflects the truth. What began as a small matter has been deliberately distorted by individuals with personal interests, to the extent of dragging an innocent child into unnecessary public drama,” he said.
He warned that he would not tolerate individuals attempting to exploit the boy’s circumstances for personal gain, including what he described as efforts to use the child for “clout, blackmail, or intimidation.”
Sonko invites extended family to visit
Despite the tension surrounding the custody dispute, Sonko struck a conciliatory tone toward Baby James’ relatives. He said he remains open to maintaining family connections and encouraged members of the boy’s extended family to stay involved in his life.
“Anyone from his extended family including grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who wishes to follow his progress or visit him is welcome. I will even be ready to facilitate this, including covering travel expenses from Kisii to Nairobi and back,” he said.
The former governor said the offer aims to ensure the child maintains close ties with his relatives while continuing his upbringing in Nairobi.
Tragic events brought Baby James into the spotlight
Baby James first captured public attention following a tragic incident in Mathare where he reportedly witnessed the killing of his father. The traumatic event left the young boy orphaned and deeply affected.
Sonko later stepped in to support the child, taking him into his home and pledging to provide a stable environment, education, and care.
Since then, the boy’s circumstances have changed significantly. According to Sonko, he has already arranged access to quality schooling and a structured support system intended to help the child rebuild his life after the tragedy.
However, involvement from extended family members has complicated the arrangement. The disagreement has sparked questions about long-term guardianship and whether the boy should grow up in Nairobi or return to his ancestral home in Kisii.
So far, no formal court proceedings related to legal custody have been publicly confirmed. Much of the debate continues to play out on social media, drawing widespread public interest.
Sonko maintains that he will not force the child to leave against his will.
“My priority is to ensure that this child grows up in a safe, stable environment, with proper care and quality education,” he said.
As discussions continue, Sonko appealed to the public to allow the boy some privacy and urged people to stop turning his personal situation into a public spectacle.
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