Outrage erupts over shocking video of blogger's sexual assault

A gory video clip of a man yelling in agony as his captors assault him sexually has sparked outrage among human rights activists and Kenyans on social media, pushing for the arrest of all those involved.

Yesterday, it was unclear whether Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and his mother had recorded a statement with the police over the incident after he confirmed receiving summons.

The shocking video shows a man resembling a Mombasa-based blogger who was recently abducted, cursing why he criticised Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

The sobbing man begs his assailants to stop degrading him, swearing that he will never abuse Nassir.

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A section of human rights activists and other Kenyans expressed outrage on social media.

Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said the incident was a pointer to the worrisome leadership of the country.

She said the action was inhumane and asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to ensure the all the perpetrators were held accountable.

“No humanity, no conscience, no regard or respect for the sanctity of human life, rights and liberty,”she said, adding that the incident of September 12 was a fragrant violation of the blogger’s constitutionally protected rights including the right to personal security, freedom of expression, and dignity as enshrined in article 28, 29 and 33 of the Constitution of Kenyan 2010.

 “We call for the full protection of the victim, and we demand the independence of the judiciary be upheld without fear, favour and external interference,” said Odhiambo.

A DCI officer told court that the blogger had posted a TikTok video of himself criticising the governor’s interaction with Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohammed.

On Monday, Nassir confirmed that he and his mother were summoned by the DCI to record a statement about the incident.

“This is a trying moment for me and my family. My 74-year-old mother and I could be linked to a heinous act of this magnitude.

‘‘I’ll never stoop that low,” said Nassir.

The governor said before the attack on the blogger, his and his mother’s houses were broken into twice, and a phone and laptop were stolen.

Four suspects Abdul Athman, Violet Adera, Esther Muthoni, and Haji Babu, have been charged with abducting and sexually assaulting the blogger on September 12, 2024.

 Yesterday, the arraignment of Mombasa CEC for Lands Hussein Mohamed was stopped by the High Court. 

Justice Wendy Micheni last week issued orders barring the Director of Public Prosecution from charging Mohamed.

She extended the order to October 2.

Mohamed, who was arrested on Sunday, taken to the Shanzu court but failed to appear before the magistrate after his lawyer Jared Magolo produced the High Court order.

Babu was also charged with gang rape with intent to cause actual bodily harm.

He denied the charges and is in custody awaiting a ruling on the bond application.