Gender PS condemns alleged sexual assault of Mombasa blogger, calls for action

Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe has condemned the alleged abduction and sexual assault of Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John.

Wang’ombe described the act as a heinous form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and called for immediate action from rauthorities.

“We unequivocally condemn this brutal act of violence, which is a gross violation of human rights and a flagrant affront to individual dignity. We urge our internal security agencies to prioritize the investigation of this abhorrent crime and bring those responsible to swift justice,” Wang’ombe stated.

The 24-year-old blogger was reportedly abducted on September 12 by a group of approximately 20 county officers from his home in Bamburi. 

He claims that the group assaulted him and left him at a dumpsite after forcing him to apologize for criticising the Mombasa County government.

Wang’ombe has urged all relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts against the rising violence in the country. The Ministry has called on survivors of psychological, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse to report such incidents to the nearest police station or to contact the National Toll-Free reporting line at 1195.

Survivors are also advised to obtain a P3 report and seek medical attention within 72 hours to prevent serious health complications and ensure proper documentation of the abuse.

The matter is in court, with four suspects arraigned this week at the Mombasa Law Court in connection with the incident.