By Dorothy Musyoka
In a major breakthrough, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested and presented before court four suspects linked to the abduction and subsequent sexual assault of blogger Bruce John Kajira, also known as Chawa-001.
The suspects, Abdul Hassan Athman, Esther Muthoni, Violet Adera, and Haji Babu Ndau Mohamed, were apprehended following a coordinated operation involving the DCI Operations Support Unit and DCI Coast.
“The four and others who are still being sought are believed to have been involved in abduction and subsequent gang rape/sodomy of Bruce John Kajira on 12th September, 2024,” noted the DCI.
The suspects are believed to have been part of a gang that accosted the victim at his residence in Bamburi Mwisho on September 12, 2024.
According to investigations, a group of over ten individuals, riding motorcycles, forcibly entered Kajira’s house.
To avoid raising suspicion among neighbors, the assailants falsely claimed they were taking Kajira to the Mombasa County Governor’s office to apologize for a social media post allegedly disparaging the Governor and his family.
Kajira was subsequently abducted and taken to an undisclosed location, where he endured physical assault and gang rape.
“Upon realizing that their actions would raise concerns from his neighbours, they deceived him that their mission was to take him to the Mombasa County Governor to apologize for a social media post allegedly made by him abusing the Governor and his family members. The victim was thereafter abducted and taken to an unknown location where he was assaulted and gang raped/ sodomized,” the detectives added.
After the heinous acts, Kajira was placed in a sack and abandoned in a thicket while unconscious. Later, he regained consciousness and was aided by a Good Samaritan to find his way home.
The incident was reported at Bamburi Police Station under OB. 32/13/09/2024, prompting the launch of a comprehensive investigation.
According to the detctives, critical evidence has been collected and subjected to forensic analysis, and statements from the victim and witnesses have been recorded.
On September 23, 2024, the suspects were arraigned at Shanzu Law Court No. 4.
They face multiple charges, including Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Abduction with Intent to Confine, Gang Rape, and Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm.
However the suspect pleaded not guilty, and the court adjourned the case to September 26, 2024, when a ruling on their bail application will be delivered.
Meanwhile, the accused have been remanded at Shimo la Tewa Prison.
The DCI is actively pursuing additional suspects linked to the crime and has summoned senior officials from the Mombasa County Government suspected of colluding with the perpetrators.
Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests are expected as authorities seek to bring all those involved to justice.