Saumu Mbuvi says her relationship with ex-fiance Benson Gatu damaged her and left her needing depression pills.

In heartfelt posts on her Insta stories, the daughter of Nairobi governor Mike Sonko opened up about being in the toxic and abusive relationship at the tender age of 21.

“Honestly, I’m not a relationship expert, all I was doing is research for some NGO…and I realized so many women are affected by this…

“Let me use myself as an example, my first relationship I was only 21 young and naive, thinking the relationship would lead to marriage. It totally damaged me and left me on depression pills for a while, the same fear of being judged is what I had until I choose myself and my child’s happiness over everything.

“Most women should know that if your kids see you physically abused all the time, all they will know is violence, it will damage them psychologically. My second relationship at 23, at least with a bit of experience, anything that involved violence, was a no for me. I was stronger and didn’t care how many would criticize me, my health and happiness come first and that of my daughter,” Saumu wrote.

She also took the opportunity to advise other young girls to walk away from toxic relationships and to always ensure they have something to call their own.

“Love knows no religion, it’s what makes us whole time for. Life is too short learn to put yourself first. To young girls don’t rush it, sometimes I say to myself I wish I knew better.

“I had options of going on with my studies but at a certain age you think you know everything, but you are wrong. Being so dependent on a person can also bring lack of respect, be street smart, hustle ni hustle, whether you are selling mitumba or handbags as long as you have something small for yourself.. with your own money no one can disrespect you.”