The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A Mombasa-based civil society group has raised concern over the sudden withdrawal of a blogger from the State Witness Protection Programme, just weeks before he is set to testify in a case implicating senior county officials.
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Michael Nato, Executive Director of Haki Kenya, wrote to the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) seeking clarity on why Bruce John, who alleges he was sexually assaulted in September 2024, was dropped from protection despite ongoing threats to his safety.
John claims he was attacked after posting a video critical of a top Mombasa county official. Four suspects have since been charged at the Shanzu Law Courts with conspiracy to commit a felony and abduction.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has already recorded a statement in connection with the matter, while Lands CEC Mohamed Hussein was arrested and later released.
Nato condemned the withdrawal, saying it exposed the blogger to danger, especially with his testimony due on September 25. He urged Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to intervene and demanded accountability from the WPA, stressing that the agency receives public funds and must demonstrate professionalism and transparency.
“When someone is placed under witness protection, their freedoms are limited. That does not mean they should be abandoned midway, especially in such a sensitive case,” Nato said, adding that activists would scrutinize how WPA resources are used.
Human rights defender John Walele echoed the concerns, warning that the withdrawal could be an attempt to obstruct justice, claiming suspects were pressuring the victim to drop the case. He called for the proceedings to be held in open court, noting that some police officers handling the case had been transferred.
Speaking separately, Bruce John said his removal had left him vulnerable, struggling with depression, and feeling betrayed by politicians he accused of using him for political gain.
