The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a warning to residents in the Coast region over a wave of fraudulent claims of “genital disappearance” or “shrinking” allegedly caused through physical contact, saying the rumours are being exploited by criminal syndicates to incite violence and facilitate theft.
Coast Regional DCI Coordinator Benson Kasyoki said 19 incidents have been reported across Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties, with the false allegations already leading to two deaths through mob justice.
According to the DCI, Kwale has recorded seven cases, Kilifi nine and Mombasa three. Two innocent pedestrians were killed after being falsely accused—one in Kwale and another in Mombasa.
The DCI said investigations conducted jointly with the Ministry of Health and county medical officers found no evidence to support the claims.
“All alleged victims were subjected to thorough clinical examinations and forensic medical assessments, which conclusively established that there was no physical harm, anatomical change or loss of any organs,” Kasyoki said.
Investigators believe organised criminal gangs are deliberately staging the incidents to create panic and distract members of the public while accomplices steal from unsuspecting victims.
According to the DCI, the scheme typically involves a suspect falsely claiming that their genitals have disappeared after coming into contact with another person. As crowds gather and assault the accused, accomplices allegedly take advantage of the chaos to pickpocket, rob pedestrians and commit other crimes.
The agency also accused individuals of fuelling the panic by spreading false and unverified claims on social media.
Kasyoki said detectives have launched investigations into the recent incidents and announced several enforcement measures.
He said investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and mobile phone recordings from the fatal attacks in Kwale and Mombasa to identify those involved in the mob killings.
“Anyone identified as participating in, inciting or cheering the mob attacks will be arrested and charged with murder,” he warned.
The DCI also cautioned that anyone found making false claims that their organs had disappeared would face arrest and prosecution for incitement to violence and creating a public disturbance.
In addition, cybercrime detectives have been deployed to identify and arrest individuals spreading the hoaxes online. According to the DCI, 17 of the 19 reported cases are already before the courts.
The agency urged residents of Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa to remain calm, ignore the rumours and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Members of the public were advised to report anyone attempting to incite crowds or stage similar incidents to the nearest police station or DCI office instead of participating in mob justice.
