NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has launched a multi-agency investigation into the alleged abuse and exploitation of Kenyan women by a Russian national, following the circulation of viral videos online that appear to show women being recorded without their consent.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 16, the Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services, led by Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, condemned the incident and announced a coordinated government response.
“The Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services strongly condemns the disturbing incident in which a foreign national is alleged to have secretly recorded and circulated intimate images of Kenyan women without their consent,” a statement from the Ministry said.
According to Cheptumo, filming women without their consent amounts to a direct violation of personal dignity and privacy, rights protected under Kenya’s Constitution.
Over the weekend, social media platforms were awash with videos allegedly showing the Russian national engaging women in brief street interactions that reportedly ended in coercion.
It remains unclear what transpired after the recorded encounters. However, several individuals claiming to be victims have since shared varying accounts online, prompting public outrage and calls for swift action.
The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that investigative agencies had been directed to handle the matter with urgency. Given the apparent cross-border dimension of the case, Kenyan authorities are also seeking cooperation with international prosecutorial agencies.
“The Government of Kenya is coordinating a whole-of-government response.”
“Relevant security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to pursue the matter with urgency, including collaboration with international authorities given the cross-border nature of the case.
Any individual found culpable will face the full force of Kenyan law under the Penal Code, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, and all relevant statutes protecting women and children.”
Under Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images can attract severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
Legal experts note that the Act criminalises cyber harassment, identity misuse, and the publication of false or intimate information without consent.
Separately, Ghanaian authorities have also acknowledged awareness of similar allegations involving the same individual.
Also Read: Ghana probes Russian national over non-consensual intimate recordings of local women
The Government of Ghana confirmed it had directed relevant agencies to investigate reports that the suspect recorded encounters with women and circulated the content online.
Unverified reports suggest the suspect may have used wearable recording devices, possibly Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which are equipped with discreet camera functionality capable of capturing high-definition video.
Digital rights advocates have warned that such emerging technologies, while legal for general use, raise significant ethical and privacy concerns if misused.
The Kenyan government reiterated that the alleged acts constitute serious criminal offences and violations of privacy and human dignity.
Authorities have urged any potential victims to report their experiences through official channels to support ongoing investigations.
At the time of publication, law enforcement agencies had not released further details on arrests or charges.
