Muslim leaders condemn abduction, sodomy of blogger

National Muslim Leaders Forum chairman Sheikh Abdulahi Abdi and Secretary General Salim Vayani (right) address a past press conference. [File, Standard]

Muslim leaders have condemned sexual assault of a Mombasa-based blogger.

This comes after the viral clip of the incident sparked public outrage.

Through their umbrella body, National Muslim Leaders Forum (Namlef), the clerics expressed concern over the “abhorrent and vile act of sodomy,” saying it is a violation of human rights.

In a statement on Tuesday, Namlef Secretary General Salim Vayani said the act depicts disregard for human dignity.

“This reprehensible act, recorded on video, is not only a gross violation of human dignity but also an affront to the moral fabric of our society. No human being, under any circumstances, should be subjected to such inhumane treatment,” he said.

“The fact that this atrocity was orchestrated, recorded, and disseminated is a stark reminder of the depths of cruelty to which certain individuals in our society have sunk. Such actions are dastardly, unforgivable, and completely unacceptable,” Vayani added.

Namlef called on investigative agencies to bring to book the perpetrators who “planned, financed, or facilitated this heinous crime.”

“The perpetrators must be held accountable, and such cruelty must not be tolerated or excused in our society,” Vayani said.

Mombasa Governor Abdulsawamad Nassir has denied having a hand in the abduction and sexual assault of blogger.

Nassir said he was “hurt” by the reports linking him and his family to the incident.

“Throughout my life, neither I nor any of my family members have crossed the line of meting out violence on anyone. Even on public platforms, my policy is never to mention anyone by name, or speaking vulgar language,” the county boss said in a statement on Monday.

The governor spoke moments after his aide and County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Mohamed Hussein, was released from police custody in connection with the blogger’s assault.

The blogger was abducted on September 12 by a group of people allegedly believed to be connected to senior county officials.

Namlef said that such incidents should not go unpunished as it would set a dangerous precedent that erodes principles upon which a just and peaceful society is built.