Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has denied any involvement in the alleged abduction, assault, and sexual abuse of Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John, who had accused the county’s leadership of orchestrating the attack.
The governor’s statement comes two weeks after John, also known by his social media alias Chawa 001, alleged that he was brutally assaulted following a controversial video that offended a county official.
The case has ignited public outrage with netizens demanding swift police action and even the arrest of the coast-based county boss. John, currently recovering at a private hospital in Kisauni, claimed that he was targeted for his outspoken criticism of local government officials, an accusation that Governor Nassir vehemently refuted during his press briefing.
Nassir, who has been a public figure for over a decade, expressed shock at the allegations linking him and his family to the incident. “It’s a bit shocking that it is now being deemed for public perception that both myself and my 74-year-old mother would be part of a heinous act of this magnitude,” Nassir said, adding that his family has never engaged in any form of violence.
The allegations surfaced after Bruce John recounted his ordeal, claiming that on September 12, a group of men posing as police officers stormed his home in Bamburi. He was abducted, interrogated, and later assaulted by a group of 20 men who allegedly targeted him for his critical posts about the Mombasa County government. John claimed that his attackers warned him against reporting the assault, threatening to release compromising videos of the incident. His sister, Ruth Kache, and human rights activist Michael Nato have since called for the arrest of those involved.
Nassir, however, insisted that he had no connection to the crime and dismissed the accusations as part of a political smear campaign. “Neither myself nor any of my family members have ever crossed the line of meting any form of violence on anyone,” he said. The governor further revealed that his family had been targeted prior to the assault, with his mother’s house being invaded twice in the weeks leading up to the incident. Despite reporting these break-ins, only minor items, such as a laptop and mobile phone, were taken, and no significant action was taken by authorities.
The governor also disclosed that the blogger had sent him more than 800 messages from different numbers, none of which he responded to. Nassir hinted at a larger political scheme behind the case, referring to instances in Kenyan history where individuals were coerced into making false accusations. “In this country, there is a history of people being coerced, people being coached to talk about things,” he remarked, suggesting that similar tactics could be at play in the current case.
In a show of confidence, Mombasa Police Commander Peter Kimani assured the public of a thorough investigation into the matter. However, tensions remain high, with Bruce John’s supporters demanding justice for what they perceive as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing dissent.
Governor Nassir remains resolute in his defense, asserting that he is fully cooperating with the authorities. “If there is anyone who wants to clear the name in this matter, she’s none other than myself,” he stated, emphasizing his willingness to face legal scrutiny. He had initially planned to appear before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) but was advised against doing so.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Nassir is determined to maintain his political stance and clear his name. “I have every intention of ensuring that those who are behind this form of malignment will equally be brought to justice,” he said, vowing to protect his family’s reputation.
