Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has announced the arrest of the main suspect linked to the murder of Michael Omworo Ombui, the Mathare father who was stabbed to death while taking his young son to school.

Ombui, popularly remembered as Baby James’ father, was attacked in January 2025, in Mathare Area 4 settlement.

In a statement on Monday, May 25, Sonko revealed that the suspect had been traced and arrested in Migori after months on the run.

“Ali, the main suspect who allegedly brutally stabbed to death the late Michael Omworo Ombui, father to Baby James, in Mathare while taking the child to school, has finally been arrested in Migori where he was hiding,” he said.

Sonko said details surrounding the killing deeply affected him, especially claims that the suspect mistreated the child’s lunch after the attack.

“What broke my heart most was learning that after committing the heinous act, he allegedly went ahead and kicked away the lunchbox containing ugali and omena meant for Baby James’ lunch,” he added.

Sonko added that the incident motivated him to personally follow up on the matter until the suspects were arrested.

“That level of cruelty deeply touched me and pushed me to personally intervene and closely follow up on the case until justice finally started taking its course,” he further said.

The former governor also commended officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based in Ruaraka for their efforts in pursuing the case.

“I sincerely thank the DCI officers based at Ruaraka for the good job, commitment, and swift action in ensuring all the suspects have now been brought to book,” he concluded.

Following the killing, Sonko announced that he had adopted Baby James and pledged to support the child through the traumatic period.

“I thank God for blessing me with another son. Baby James, the child whose father was stabbed to death by thugs as he helplessly watched on a Monday morning in Mathare area 4 while taking him to school, will now be part of my family,” he said.

Sonko also disclosed plans to seek professional help for the child before enrolling him in another school.

“Since the kid is traumatised, I will engage the services of a professional therapist for his healing journey and thereafter, he will continue with his education at a different school of my choice.

“May God comfort and protect him during this difficult period he’s undergoing as he mourns his only parent. May the Lord rest his deceased father’s soul in everlasting peace,” he added.