On September 26, 2025, Mombasa blogger Bruce John Khajira, popularly known as Chawa 001, shocked the Shanzu Law Court by filing a petition to withdraw his case against four Mombasa County workers accused of abducting, assaulting, and sodomising him.
The move came a year after the harrowing incident that drew national outrage and highlighted concerns over political intimidation in Kenya. Bruce, a vocal critic of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, cited forgiveness as his reason, but the prosecution opposed the withdrawal, insisting the state remains the principal complainant in such serious offences.
The incident unfolded on September 12, 2024, when Bruce was allegedly accosted at his Bamburi home by a gang of over 10 men on motorbikes. They broke into his residence, deceived him into believing they were taking him to apologise to the governor for critical social media posts, and instead abducted him.
He was taken to a county construction site in Bonje, where he endured torture, gang rape, and sodomy. A video of the assault was later shared online, amplifying the humiliation.
Bruce, a TikTok influencer with a following for his bold takes on local governance, had frequently targeted Nassir’s administration for alleged mismanagement. Human rights activists linked the attack to retaliation, with calls for justice echoing across Kenya.
The DCI arrested four suspects, county inspectorate officers, in connection with the crimes, charging them with abduction, gang rape, and conspiracy. They denied the charges at Shanzu Court.
In court on Thursday, Bruce ambushed the prosecution and Magistrate Joe Mbogo by declaring he was not ready to proceed. “I have forgiven them,” he reportedly said, seeking to drop the case amid whispers of external pressure.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) rejected the bid, arguing that sexual offence cases involve public interest and cannot be withdrawn at the victim’s whim. Allegations surfaced of interference by powerful county figures, complicating the proceedings.
Bruce’s decision has divided public opinion. Supporters praise his choice for personal healing, while critics fear it sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent.
On social media, users like those on X and Facebook expressed dismay, with some speculating bribery or threats influenced him. “Bruce was offered KSh 5M to withdraw,” claimed one post, though unverified.
Mombasa blogger Bruce withdraws his case against the four Mombasa County workers accused of abducting and sodomizing him. pic.twitter.com/BmuTCtbsmA
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) September 26, 2025
The case has spotlighted Kenya’s Witness Protection Agency (WPA), which Bruce accused of abandoning him.
In August 2025, he decried being left exposed after entering protection, claiming only four days of support before being cut off. “They promised a fresh start but disappeared,” he said in interviews. The WPA has not responded, but activists demand an inquiry.
Governor Nassir, summoned by DCI alongside his mother, denied involvement, labelling the allegations political smears.
A key suspect fled to Tanzania but was arrested at the Lunga Lunga border in November 2024, providing a breakthrough. Forensic evidence placed a county vehicle at the crime scene, bolstering the case.
Human rights groups, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Mombasa Law Society (MLS), joined the suit earlier, emphasising accountability.
“This isn’t just about Bruce; it’s about protecting free speech,” said an LSK official. As the court deliberates on the withdrawal, Kenyans watch closely, hoping justice prevails amid fears of impunity.
Bruce’s ordeal has sparked broader discussions on political violence and blogger safety. With Mombasa’s governance under scrutiny, his withdrawal raises questions about systemic pressures on victims. The next hearing is set for October, where the magistrate will rule on the petition.