LSK demands justice for blogger abducted, assaulted in Mombasa

Odhiambo said in her statement that the bloggers' ordeal was a sign of a deeper crisis in Kenyan governance, one that was characterised by a disregard for human rights, humanity, and conscience.

"This heart-wrenching account of the ordeal suffered by Bruce John bespeaks everything that is wrong with the leadership of our country. There is no regard for the sanctity of human life, rights, and liberty," Odhiambo stated. 

She called the apparent criminality and impunity exhibited by those in positions of authority "indefensible" and insisted that those responsible for any wrongdoing must face consequences.

LSK has now insisted that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) find and press charges against the individuals who carried out the heinous acts as soon as possible.

LSK also demanded that charges be brought against those responsible by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). 

Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Monday said he was “hurt” by accusations linking him and his family to the abduction and sodomy of a blogger based in the coastal city for allegedly criticising the county government.

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

The group reportedly assaulted and sodomised him before leaving him at a dump site. He says they forced him to apologise for criticising the Mombasa County government.

Addressing a press conference in Mombasa, Nassir distanced himself from the “heinous act”, terming it “shocking” that he and his mother were accused of orchestrating the attack.

“Throughout my life, neither I nor any of my family members have crossed the line of meting out violence on anyone. Even on public platforms, my policy is never to mention anyone by name, or speaking vulgar language,” the governor said.

Nassir spoke moments after the release of his aide and County Executive Committee Member for Lands Mohamed Hussein, who was arrested on Sunday in connection with the blogger’s assault.

“My CEC was arrested and released for no other reason except for the fact that he has been with me through my political journey,” the governor said.

He claimed his mother’s house had been broken into twice since the incident, adding: “As much as I feel sorry for whatever happened to this young man, the spirit of my family will not only forgive and forget but let the almighty.”

“I really hope the police get to the bottom of this… I have passed through worse; abuse, attempts to harm me and my family… I have every intention of clearing our name, of ensuring those behind this malignment will equally be brought to book.”