Key suspect in Mombasa blogger’s kidnapping arrested as he attempts to flee
By Lucy Mumbi |
The DCI has called on additional accomplices identified during the investigation to surrender.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested one of the prime suspects in the abduction and alleged assault of Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John Khajira.
The suspect, Omar Ali Mohamed, also known as Nyanya, was apprehended at the Lunga Lunga border as he attempted to cross into Tanzania.
In collaboration with the Immigration Department, the DCI arrested Omar, who had been evading arrest since the incident on September 12 when Khajira was reportedly abducted and assaulted.
Detectives involved in the investigation confirmed Omar’s location at both the primary and secondary crime scenes through forensic analysis and revealed that he had been in continuous communication with other suspects before, during, and after the incident.
The DCI Digital Forensics Lab identified a grey Nissan Note, registration number KDQ 394C, believed to have been used in the abduction. The vehicle, hired by Omar on August 20, was returned on the evening of September 12 after the incident.
The vehicle has since been impounded.
Forensic evidence placed the vehicle at a construction site in the Bonje area, where Khajira is believed to have been assaulted. After about two hours, the car reportedly transported him to Mwakirunge, where he was abandoned.
The DCI has called on additional accomplices identified during the investigation to surrender.
So far, four individuals – Abdul Athman, Violet Adera, Esther Muthoni, and Haji Babu – have been charged at the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa with involvement in Khajira's abduction and assault.
“They were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and abduction with intent to confine,” the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said in a message on X.
In addition to these charges, suspects Hassan and Babu face accusations of gang rape and assault with intent to cause bodily harm. All four suspects pleaded not guilty before Senior Resident Magistrate Robert Mbogo and have sought bail.
However, the prosecution, led by Anthony Musyoka, opposed bail, asserting that the suspects were a flight risk.
Khajira has alleged that around 20 individuals, identifying as county officers, forcibly entered his home in Bamburi, subjected him to violence, and transported him to Miritini, where he was reportedly assaulted.
He further claims that he was targeted due to his criticism of the Mombasa County government and that his assailants demanded an apology before abandoning him near the Mwakirunge dumpsite.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
