Gang-rape: Arrest of Governor Nassir Aide Rocks Mombasa County

The recent arrest of Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Lands Mohamed Hussein has sent ripples through the county government.

Hussein, known colloquially as Amadoh, has long been a close associate of Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, their relationship dating back to Nassir's tenure as Member of Parliament for the Mvita constituency from 2013 to 2022. During Nassir's gubernatorial campaign in 2022, Hussein served as a key intermediary between the candidate and the public despite largely operating behind the scenes. Following Nassir's electoral victory and subsequent assumption of office from former governor Hassan Joho, Hussein was among the loyalists rewarded with a nomination to the county government, securing the influential position of minister for Lands, Urban Planning, and Housing.

Hussein's arrest occurred on a Sunday afternoon while he was dining at a local restaurant, according to County Chief of Staff Noah Akala. The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officers apprehended Hussein in connection with the abduction and gang rape of a blogger who had publicly criticized Governor Nassir on TikTok. Akala, addressing the media at the county headquarters, suggests that the arrest was politically motivated, citing Hussein's popularity among youth and his instrumental role in Nassir's 2022 election victory. The arrest prompted an immediate response from county officials, with several attempting to gain access to the heavily guarded DCI headquarters.

At the county offices, an atmosphere of tension prevailed as officials engaged in hushed conversations and made urgent phone calls late into the evening. Coast regional DCI chief Adan Guyo indicates that further arrests are expected in the coming days. The investigation has expanded to include Governor Nassir, his mother, and other prominent county officials, from whom the police are seeking statements regarding the blogger's abduction and assault. While sources within the investigation team suggest that Nassir was expected at the DCI headquarters on Monday, September 30, Akala maintains that the governor has not received any formal summons.

In recent public appearances, Nassir has used his platform to denounce what he perceives as social media attacks against him and his family by political opponents. Akala expresses confidence in proving Hussein's innocence in court and challenges the police to press charges if they possess incriminating evidence. The victim, a blogger critical of Nassir, was allegedly lured from his residence in Bamburi under the guise of offering an apology to the governor for the controversial video.

Four suspects implicated in the crime have opposed the state's request for DNA samples, arguing through their legal representation that such a procedure would be self-incriminating and procedurally improper given that formal charges had already been filed.