Mike Sonko Decries Tough Economy as His Car Runs Out of Fuel: “Hali Ni Ngumu”

Former Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko sparked a wave of reactions after his luxurious Lexus LX-570 unexpectedly ran out of fuel on the busy Kiambu Road. The incident, which occurred on February 23, 2025, left the flamboyant politician momentarily stranded, leading him to voice his frustrations about Kenya’s struggling economy.

The incident unfolded while Sonko was enjoying a casual Sunday afternoon drive. Taking to Instagram to share the moment, he expressed disbelief that even someone of his financial standing could find himself in such a predicament. “Hii economy ni mbaya, mbaya kabisaa. Yaani Sonko mzima ninaishiwa na mafuta. So nitatuma sasa niletewe mafuta,” he lamented.

As Sonko vented about the harsh economic climate, two Good Samaritans arrived at the scene, carrying a canister of fuel to assist him. Grateful but still in disbelief, Sonko humorously added, “Inaitwa economy, Sonkoree anaweka mafuta na kibuyu, aibu hio. Hali ni ngumu majamaa.”

After refueling enough to get to the nearest petrol station, Sonko made sure to fill up his car properly, spending KSh 11,000 on fuel. In typical Sonko fashion, he then generously tipped the petrol attendants KSh 4,000, leaving them thrilled by his gesture. The attendants, visibly excited, reminisced about his time as Nairobi’s governor and encouraged him to consider running for office again.

“Walinikataa, mlinikataa,” Sonko playfully responded, acknowledging their calls for his political comeback.

The incident quickly went viral, sparking debates online. While some saw the moment as a reflection of the tough economic times affecting even the wealthy, others criticized Sonko for dramatizing the situation. Despite the mixed reactions, his roadside ordeal has reignited conversations about Kenya’s high fuel prices and the financial struggles facing many citizens.

Whether a publicity stunt or a genuine reflection of economic strain, Sonko’s fuel fiasco highlights the growing frustrations among Kenyans navigating the country’s challenging financial landscape.

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Mike Sonko Decries Tough Economy as His Car Runs Out of Fuel: “Hali Ni Ngumu”