Mombasa governor breaks silence over blogger's gang rape allegations

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has publicly addressed the serious allegations linking him and his family to an ongoing gang rape case involving a Mombasa-based blogger.

Speaking for the first time since the scandal emerged, Governor Nassir dismissed the claims, describing them as shocking and politically motivated.

“I want to give my version. I have tried to hold this for so long,” he said while addressing the media on Monday, September 30. 

"Neither myself nor any member of my family has ever crossed the line of making any form of violence; my stand has always been that, and this is known to yourself that even when I go out on public platforms my policy is a policy of never mentioning anyone and never talking vulgarly,” he said.

The governor expressed his disbelief over the accusations, emphasising that his family, including his 74-year-old mother, has been unfairly dragged into the matter.

"It is shocking that it is now being suggested that I and my elderly mother are part of such a heinous act. For those who know me and my family, for those who are familiar with the kind of politics I have always practised, they know we have never stooped that low, nor will we ever," he added.

He further alleged that the accusations were part of a political conspiracy, designed to damage his reputation. "This young man [the blogger] has sent me over 800 messages from different numbers, but I have never responded to any of them. Unfortunately, such an incident is being used for politicking," Governor Nassir argued. 

He also claimed that a senior politician had attempted to coerce medical staff at Coast General Hospital into fabricating reports about the blogger’s condition.

"I only found out that this young man was not even in the hospital when the doctor in charge called me, explaining that they were being threatened to write false reports," the governor alleged.

Governor Nassir expressed his frustration with the investigation's handling, especially concerning the arrest of his Chief Executive Committee Member, Mohamed Hussein. He implied that Hussein's detention was politically motivated due to their close relationship.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Member of Lands Mohamed Hussein. (Photo: Handout)

He emphasised his desire to cooperate with the investigation but claimed they were advised against doing so. Hussein's arrest, he argued, stemmed solely from his connection to Nassir's political journey.

The governor’s remarks came moments after his County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands and Urban Planning, Mohamed Hussein, was released from police custody.

Hussein was detained on Sunday in connection with the case, though no charges have been formally brought against him.

The release has intensified the spotlight on the governor, who had previously remained silent on the matter.

The governor also drew parallels between his current situation and Kenya's history of political persecution, recalling instances where individuals were pressured into giving false statements, including the president’s experience with witness coercion during his time at The Hague.

"This country has a history of people being coerced and coached into making statements. The President faced witnesses being coached when he was at The Hague," he argued.

While asserting his innocence, Nassir conveyed sympathy for the blogger involved in the case, reiterating his family's intention to leave the situation to divine guidance. He expressed sorrow that his mother was being implicated simply because of his existence.

“One day we will all be looking at each other and I really pray and hope the police will get to the end of this and we will get to the bottom of this. For those who probably don't know what my values are, I have passed through worse," he said. 

"I have been abused and people have tried to physically harm me and my family, but we have maintained a rapporteur it is not who we are. I have every intention of clearing our name, every intention of ensuring those who are behind this will be equally brought to book," he added. 

Meanwhile, Governor Nassir alleged that his family had recently faced personal threats, including two break-ins at his mother's house. According to the governor, the intruders took nothing but a laptop and a mobile phone.

"We reported both incidents to the authorities, and CCTV footage was provided. Armed individuals approached my family during these invasions, but nothing significant was taken," he said.