The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) expressed grave concern over reports of alleged non-consensual recording and subsequent circulation of intimate videos involving Kenyan women by a suspected foreign national.
The recording was done by a Russian national who is now in his country. He secretly recorded the videos using his spectacles before editing and sharing them.
The DCI strongly condemned these reported acts, which constitute serious violations of privacy, personal dignity, and the constitutional rights of the victims.
Such conduct amounts to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, exploitation, and potential criminal offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Penal Code, and other relevant statutes that safeguard the rights of women and children, the DCI said in a statement.
As the country’s premier investigative agency, the DCI has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The measures undertaken include immediate activation of specialized cybercrime and gender-based violence investigation units to gather evidence, trace digital footprints, and identify the suspect and coordination with international law enforcement agencies and relevant foreign authorities, given the cross-border dimensions of the case. The statement said the DCI is in pursuit of any individuals or entities involved in the recording, dissemination, or further circulation of the harmful content.
The DCI urges affected individuals — including victims and witnesses — to come forward and record statements at DCI Headquarters or the nearest DCI office. All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect for the privacy and well-being of the complainants.
Members of the public are reminded that sharing, reposting, or further circulating non-consensual intimate content perpetuates secondary victimization and may attract criminal liability under Kenyan law.
The DCI remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice, protecting vulnerable persons, and ensuring accountability in both physical and digital spaces.
The agency will continue working closely with relevant government institutions, stakeholders, and international partners to bring those responsible to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future. The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services Monday issued a strong condemnation following the revelation that a foreign national secretly recorded and circulated intimate images of Kenyan women without their consent.
Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and a grave violation of personal dignity and privacy as enshrined under Articles 28 and 31 of the Constitution of Kenya.
This follows the circulation of videos online where unknown number of women’s interactions with the Russian were secretly recorded.
In response, Cheptumo said, the Government of Kenya has initiated what it describes as a “whole-of-government” response to the allegations. Relevant security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to pursue the matter as a priority.
“Given the cross-border nature of the case, authorities are also expected to collaborate with international counterparts to ensure thorough investigations and appropriate legal action,” the statement said.
It further characterised the alleged actions as an affront to Kenya’s national values, cultural integrity and the safety of women and girls.
She added the matter represents a serious case of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and exploitation. The government emphasised that such acts are not merely criminal offences but pose a broader threat to the country’s social fabric, which is grounded in respect for human dignity and the protection of vulnerable persons.
“Such violations undermine the fundamental principles upon which our society is built,” the statement noted, adding that the Government views digital exploitation as a growing and complex challenge requiring decisive intervention.
The Ministry also stressed that any individual found culpable would face the full force of Kenyan law, including prosecution under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, as well as other statutes designed to safeguard women and children from exploitation.
Beyond enforcement, the Ministry signalled its intention to strengthen policy frameworks relating to online safety and protection from digital exploitation.
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