From Prison to Power: 5 Powerful Lessons To Learn From Mike Mbuvi Sonko, Nairobi’s Next Governor

By Susan Gitonga

He is Nairobi’s sweetheart and a role model to many youths in Nairobi and other parts of the country. Mike Sonko is not your typical role model. Unlike many inspiring people whose discipline has seen them become successful, it is Sonko’s gangster life that has seen him rise to the top.

Here are 5 things you didn’t know about Sonko, and some valuable lessons to learn from him

1. Your Past Should Not Define You

In an interview with Jeff Koinange, Sonko did not hide the fact that he was a former prisoner in his younger years. In fact, Sonko was involved in a crime where he mugged people and even became an international drug lord.

But today, Sonko is a different man. His change came about when he got into Matatu business and became popular among youths because of the help he accorded them when they were in need specifically when dealing with the police in the matatu business.

This saw him elected as the Chairman of Eastlands Matatu Association, and the rest as they say is history.

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2. When you walk with the wise you become wise

Mike Sonko announced his running mate as Mr. Polycarp Igathe. In case you did not know, Polycarp Igathe is the CEO of Vivo Energy and the Chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and a director at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, the apex body for the private sector in Kenya.

Before he became the MD at Vivo Energy, Mr.Igathe was the regional managing director for East Africa at FMCG Manufacturer Haco Tiger Brands.

Polycarp is intellectually smart and has a record of being promoted every 6 months in every role he served from the time he started working.

When Sonko appeared on Jeff Koinange Live , he was in a very sharp suit and looked very professional. He did not wear any bling bling, not even one. Also worth noting is how he carried himself during the interview. He was very composed and answered the questions in a very professional manner.

I believe walking with the likes of Polycarp Igathe has been very instrumental in shaping Sonko. He is now walking in the company of the great, he has to be great.

3. Believe in yourself and your abilities

Sonko is a man of the people, and this has seen him rise to the top. If he did not believe in himself and forgive himself for his past, he would not be where he is today. That goes to show that your strengths should be greater than your weaknesses.

Stop focusing on what you did wrong, and concentrate on what you are good at and what you can do for your society, like Sonko is doing.

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4. You don’t have to look cool to be loved

Sometimes politicians have a notion that they must do extraordinary things in order to identify with their target population. For example, during the Jubilee Launch, Reggae music rented the airwaves, in order to appeal to the Kenyan youths.

Sonko on the other hand was always clad in bling blings, jeans and dyed hair, in order to identify with the youths of this country.

But if there is a time when Sonko has earned the respect of all Kenyans, it is the day he wore a full suit and was clean shaven, during his media interviews before the general elections.

That said, you do not have to look a certain way in order to be loved by the people you are targeting. Simplicity does it.

5. Anyone can become great, including you

In order to be successful, all you need is a vision and a goal to work towards to. 20 years ago, Sonko was locked up in prison and his life seemed hopeless. But today, he is in the position of power in Kenya’s capital city, isn’t that a miracle?

That said, no situation is permanent and whatever the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve.

What do you like about Sonko? Leave us a comment below.

Susan is a Communications & Digital Marketing Officer at Career Point Kenya. Email: susan@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke