NAIROBI, Kenya — Police in Pangani have arrested several TikTok content creators following complaints of street harassment and the illegal recording of pedestrians in parts of eastern and central Nairobi.
The arrests were carried out on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by officers from Pangani Police Station after residents raised concerns about the conduct of a group of young men operating in Eastleigh, Pangani, Kariokor and Muthaiga.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the suspects allegedly targeted unsuspecting pedestrians, particularly women and girls, along busy streets, including General Wariungi Street, while recording videos for social media platforms.
The footage reportedly shows the men approaching pedestrians aggressively, with incidents ranging from verbal intimidation to inappropriate physical contact.
The videos were then uploaded online as entertainment content, sparking public outrage and renewed debate about consent, digital abuse and public safety.
Authorities said the suspects are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, where they will face multiple charges, including harassment and the unlawful recording of individuals without consent, offences that fall under Kenya’s sexual offences and data protection laws.
Wider debate on consent and public safety
The arrests come amid heightened national attention on sexual and gender-based violence and the growing misuse of social media platforms for exploitative content.
Earlier this month, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris publicly condemned victim-blaming narratives that seek to justify harassment or assault based on how women dress.
“My Dress, My Choice,” she said.
Passaris reaffirmed her advocacy for zero tolerance toward sexual and gender-based violence while speaking at a public event on January 10, 2026, during which she also distributed KSh 9.5 million in bursaries to support students.
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Human rights advocates have welcomed the arrests, saying they signal increased willingness by authorities to confront emerging forms of digital harassment that blur the line between online content creation and criminal behaviour.
Police have urged members of the public to report similar incidents and reminded content creators that filming individuals without consent, particularly in a threatening or sexualised manner, is punishable under Kenyan law.
