Safari assault case: online newspaper accuses ex-AG of providing false information

Former Attorney General, Azima Shakoor, has been accused of providing false information regarding the safari sexual assault case.

While a 27-year-old Kenyan woman was allegedly “groped” by two men while aboard a safari boat in late June, two local news outlets had published contrasting recounts of the victim. The first one, Mendhuru Online, claimed that the victim was raped while an article published on ‘Mihaaru’ denies that the situation had reached that far.

Mendhuru Online released a statement on Wednesday, claiming that its article was based on information provided by the former attorney general.

The news outlet claimed that Azima Shakoor had informed them of a rape case aboard a safari boat, adding that she seemed to have been speaking on behalf of the victim. While Mendhuru Online believes that it had spoken directly to the victim briefly, it said that Azima continued to recount the story after claiming that victim was having difficulties in doing so.

Noting that it has since learnt that the rape claim was false, Mendhuru Online said that its platform was used to start a political battle.

While Azima has denied the outlet's allegations, she revealed plans to pursue legal action against it.

Last week, police revealed that a separate investigation is ongoing against Mendhuru Online following the falsified news, and revealed that the news outlet was operating without registration.

While police also noted that the safari case was not lodged as a rape case, officers met the Kenyan woman at the jetty of capital city’s suburban extension Hulhumalé. While she is to have jumped off the safari boat when the two men approached her, out of fear of the situation escalating, the men are to have assisted her to shore later.

At least 11 people’s testimonies have been obtained in the investigation.

While police were also accused of political influence following the quick release of the two suspects, who reportedly have links to senior government officials, the institution denies this and said that its officers had acted accordingly as per the information provided by the victim.