The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has made a significant arrest in the case involving the abduction and assault of Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John Khajira, popularly known as Chawa – 001A. The arrest of the suspect, who goes by the nickname “Nyanya,” took place at the Lunga Lunga border as he allegedly attempted to flee to Tanzania. This latest development marks a major step forward in the investigation, which has drawn attention for its complexity and the shocking details surrounding the incident.
The DCI described Nyanya as a primary suspect in the abduction and gang assault that occurred on September 12. Nyanya had reportedly been evading capture for several months, but through a collaborative effort with the Immigration Department, detectives successfully apprehended him. “His arrest today is a result of relentless work by detectives who have monitored every move in this case,” the DCI noted in a statement on Thursday, November 8.
A painstaking forensic investigation connected Nyanya to both the primary and secondary crime scenes, revealing his continuous communication with other suspects before, during, and after the crime. Detectives at the DCI Digital Forensics Lab were able to identify a grey Nissan Note vehicle used to transport Chawa from his home. DCI confirmed that Nyanya had rented the car on August 20 and returned it on the day of the incident, September 12. The vehicle has since been detained as evidence.
Further forensic work revealed that the car was placed at the primary crime scene, a construction site in Mombasa's Bonje Area, where the blogger was assaulted. Chawa was then taken to the Mwakirunge area, where he was ultimately found after hours of captivity.
The DCI has stated that additional accomplices have been identified, some of whom are believed to be hiding across the country. Authorities have urged these individuals to surrender to any police station or DCI office. This arrest follows earlier detentions of four suspects already charged with abduction, gang rape, and assault at the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa County on September 24, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chawa recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that he was taken from his home in Bamburi Mwisho by a group of about 20 people. They reportedly broke into his house, forced him into a car, and allegedly assaulted and sodomized him at a site in Miritini before abandoning him near the Mwakirunge dumpsite. According to Chawa, the attackers demanded he apologize for critical comments about the Mombasa County governor and his family. A Good Samaritan later found Chawa, provided medical assistance, and reported the incident.
This latest arrest strengthens the DCI’s ongoing investigation as officers continue to search for any remaining suspects involved in the case, assuring the public that justice will be served.