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The abduction of Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John has ignited a firestorm of condemnation across Kenya, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, characterizing the incident as a symbol of failed leadership and the erosion of civil liberties.
Odhiambo, in a statement released Monday, criticized the disregard for human rights in the country, pointing to the brutal treatment of John as evidence of worsening impunity.
Bruce John, a 24-year-old blogger known for his criticism of the Mombasa County government, was abducted from his home in Bamburi on September 12 by a group of about 20 individuals alleged to be county officers. He described being physically assaulted and subjected to sexual violence before being abandoned at a dumpsite. The perpetrators reportedly forced him to apologize for his outspoken criticism of local authorities. The horrifying ordeal has sparked public outrage, with Kenyans from all walks of life calling for justice.
Odhiambo, in her statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressed deep sorrow over the attack. “This heart-wrenching account of Bruce John’s ordeal reveals everything wrong with the leadership of our country,” she said. She condemned those in power for acting with impunity, labeling their actions as “indefensible,” and called for accountability at all levels of government.
In response, the LSK has demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) promptly apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the crime. Odhiambo further urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure that those behind the assault face the full force of the law, emphasizing that the protection of civil liberties is a cornerstone of democracy.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has found himself at the center of controversy following the attack. In a press conference held in Mombasa, Nassir denied any involvement. He expressed shock at the allegations linking him and his family to the heinous crime. “It is shocking to hear accusations linking me and my mother to such a heinous act,” he said, adding that neither he nor his family had ever resorted to violence. The governor said that his political principles prevented him from personally attacking others, even in public discourse.
The accusations against Nassir were amplified after the arrest of Mohamed Hussein, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands and a close confidant of the governor. Hussein was detained in connection with the attack but was released after his lawyers presented a High Court order barring his arrest and prosecution. Nassir argued that Hussein had been targeted solely due to his association with the governor. Furthermore, he disclosed that his mother’s house had been broken into twice since the incident, suggesting a broader attempt to intimidate his family.
Governor Nassir took a public stance to clear his name, voluntarily appearing at the Coast Regional Police headquarters, where he was questioned by detectives for over an hour. “I have done my statement and played my part as a citizen. Let it be known that I brought myself to the DCI,” he told reporters in Mombasa on Thursday. He condemned the assault on Bruce John, describing it as brutal and inhumane, while also suggesting that attempts to implicate him were politically motivated.
The governor called for an impartial police investigation and urged the public to support the inquiry by providing any relevant information. He stated, “Every person who has any form of information should kindly go to the DCI and make their report. We need to ensure justice for this young man.” Nassir further declared his willingness to have his 74-year-old mother questioned by authorities if necessary.
Despite the governor’s denials, the DCI has confirmed that four individuals have already been charged, with an additional 15 people, including Governor Nassir, his mother, and Mohamed Hussein, still under investigation. Both Nassir and Hussein have consistently denied any involvement in the incident.
The brutal treatment of Bruce John has drawn widespread condemnation and raised questions about the state of human rights and the freedom of expression in Kenya. John had been a vocal critic of the Mombasa County government, and his abduction reportedly stemmed from a video he posted, in which he criticized Governor Nassir and his mother. On September 12, John was abducted from his home under the guise of being taken to meet Nassir to apologize. Instead, he endured physical and sexual violence before being dumped at a dumpsite in Mwakirunge.
Governor Nassir called for patience and asked the public to allow the authorities to conduct their investigations without interference. “We do not want to see such incidents—whether in Mombasa or anywhere else in Kenya. Let the DCI do their work. The truth will eventually come out,” he said.
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