Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Breaks Silence Over Attack on Blogger Bruce John
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir expressed his deep distress on Monday over allegations that he and his family were involved in the abduction and sexual assault of a local blogger, who had criticized the county government.
The 24-year-old blogger was reportedly taken from his home in Bamburi on September 12 by a group of around 20 county officials.
After being assaulted and sexually abused, he was left at a dump site. The blogger claims he was coerced into apologizing for his criticisms of the Mombasa County administration.
During a press conference in Mombasa, Nassir vehemently rejected any connection to this “atrocious act,” describing it as “shocking” that he and his mother were accused of masterminding the attack.
“Throughout my life, neither I nor any family member has engaged in violent actions against anyone. I avoid naming individuals or using foul language in public discourse,” the governor asserted.
Nassir made these remarks shortly after the release of his aide, Mohamed Hussein, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, who was arrested on Sunday about the blogger’s assault.
“My CEC was detained and released solely because he has been part of my political journey,” the governor stated.
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He added that his mother’s residence had been burglarized twice since the incident, expressing: “While I feel sympathy for the unfortunate events faced by this young man, my family’s spirit will forgive and allow the almighty to handle the rest.”
“I sincerely hope the police thoroughly investigate this matter… I have endured worse; abuse and threats against me and my family… I am determined to clear our names and ensure that those responsible for this defamation face justice.”
Governor Nassir also mentioned that the blogger had sent him over 800 text messages, which he did not respond to, and noted that some doctors reported receiving threatening calls aimed at pressuring them into making false statements while the victim was not hospitalized.
So far, four individuals have been charged in connection with the incident.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Breaks Silence Over Attack on Blogger Bruce John