Activists in
Mombasa have petitioned the Witness Protection Agency to explain why
blogger Bruce John was suddenly removed from its programme, warning that his
life is now at risk.
The concern
came days after Bruce revealed he had been withdrawn from witness
protection, despite his ongoing case implicating senior Mombasa county
officials.
The blogger
claims he was sexually assaulted on September 12, 2024, shortly after sharing a
social media video that allegedly angered a top county leader and his allies.
Speaking to
journalists last Saturday, Bruce said he had been under the programme for 11 months before being abruptly dropped.
He said officials had promised to move him to another county for safety, but
instead abandoned him in Mombasa.
Bruce further
alleged that the agency had failed to fulfil its commitment to replace his
damaged teeth, which were broken during the assault.
“I am left with
only four molars. They promised to repair my dental formula, but nothing was
done,” he said, adding that he is now struggling with trauma, depression and
medical complications.
He also accused
politicians of using him for political gain before abandoning him.
Haki Kenya executive director Michael Nato confirmed they have formally written to the WPA
demanding clarity on the matter.
“Why should
someone be removed from protection under unclear circumstances? This exposes
him to danger ahead of his testimony,” Nato said.
Bruce is
expected to testify on September 25 at Shanzu law courts, where four
suspects are facing charges.
The accused—Abdul Athman, Haji Babu, Esther Muthoni and Violet Adera—have been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and abduction with intent to confine.
The activists are also pressing for intervention and ensure the safety of the blogger.
They argue that
since the state allocates funds to the Witness Protection Agency, the public
has a right to demand accountability and professionalism.
“We want to
know how many people are under protection to ensure there is value for money.
When someone is admitted into the programme, the expectation is that they will
be safeguarded until their case is concluded,” Nato added.
Human rights
defender John Walele, who says he has listened to Bruce’s account, insisted the
matter is of public interest and should be heard openly in court.
He also raised
concerns that some police officers, who initially handled the case, have since
been transferred, while suspects are allegedly pressuring the victim to drop
the charges.
The activists
say they will continue to push until Bruce’s safety and the integrity of the
trial are guaranteed.
Instant analysis
The sudden
removal of blogger John Bruce from the Witness Protection Agency raises
questions of accountability, transparency and political interference in cases
involving influential figures. The fact that Bruce’s testimony implicates
senior county officials underscores the sensitivity of the matter, while
activists fear his life is in danger.
