Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Thursday, October 3 afternoon recorded a statement at the Regional Police Headquarters regarding the abduction and sexual assault of Bruce John, a 25-year-old blogger based in Mombasa.
The incident occurred on September 12, 2024, when John claims that a group of about 20 county officers abducted him from his home in Bamburi, following his criticism of Nassir’s leadership. The blogger alleges that the officers took him to Miritini, where they physically and sexually assaulted him.
Speaking to journalists after recording his statement, Governor Nassir expressed his shock and urged for swift justice, condemning the inhumane act. He emphasized that no one is above the law and called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to expedite the process so the victim could receive justice.
“Nimejileta hapa kwa hiari yangu kwa sababu hakuna yeyote yuko juu ya sheria. Hicho kitendo lazima kiweze kulaaniwa,” Nassir stated.
On September 30, during a press conference, Governor Nassir expressed his personal anguish over the accusations linking him to the crime, stating that neither he nor any of his family members were involved.
“Throughout my life, neither I nor any of my family members have crossed the line of meting out violence on anyone. Even on public platforms, my policy is never to mention anyone by name or use vulgar language,” the Governor asserted.
So far, four individuals have been charged in connection with the attack. Abdul Athman, Violet Adera, Esther Muthoni, and Haji Babu appeared at the Shanzu Law Courts, where they were accused of conspiracy to commit a felony and abduction with intent to confine. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed these charges in a statement on social media platform X on September 24. Hassan and Babu also faced additional charges of gang rape and assault with intent to cause bodily harm.
The accused denied the charges and applied for bail, but the prosecution, led by Anthony Musyoka, opposed their plea, arguing that the suspects were flight risks.
Governor Nassir continues to cooperate with the police investigation as the case unfolds, with many in the Coastal city closely following the developments, eager for justice to be served.
