MOMBASA, Kenya — The Mombasa County Security and Intelligence Committee has dismissed widespread claims that people’s genitalia are mysteriously disappearing after physical contact with strangers, describing the allegations as a dangerous hoax being exploited by criminals to incite mob violence and disrupt business activities.
Authorities issued the warning after two individuals were assaulted at Kongowea and Marikiti markets on Monday by crowds accusing them of causing the alleged disappearance of other people’s genitalia through touch. The incidents triggered panic among traders and residents, prompting an urgent intervention by security agencies.
Speaking during a press briefing, Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor said investigations had established that the claims were false and part of a scheme being used by fraudsters to spread fear, attack innocent people and create opportunities for theft and disorder.
“We have been able to arrest one person who was doing that. He claimed that he had lost his genitals, but investigations established that he had not lost anything. No one has the ability to remove another person’s genitals,” Noor said.
According to the county commissioner, security agencies have verified the allegations with hospitals and health facilities across Mombasa and found no evidence to support the claims.
“We went to all hospitals and health centres and confirmed that no one has lost anything. These are rumours and misinformation being spread, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok,” he said.
Hoax linked to criminal activity
Authorities believe the false allegations are being deliberately used to trigger chaos in busy commercial centres, creating opportunities for criminals to target traders, customers and businesses.
Noor noted that similar incidents were first reported in neighbouring Kwale County before spreading to parts of Mombasa, where crowds have responded by attacking suspected individuals without evidence.
“In all these incidents, the intention is to create confusion and panic so that criminals can rob traders and businesses. We have obtained videos of the attacks and those responsible will be identified and arrested,” he said.
The commissioner warned residents against participating in mob justice, stressing that assaulting individuals based on rumours constitutes a criminal offence.
“If you assaulted someone at the market simply because you saw others doing it, you too will be arrested and charged. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” Noor said.
Police intensify investigations
Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono urged members of the public to ignore the rumours and immediately report suspicious incidents to law enforcement officers rather than resorting to violence.
Cherono confirmed that three suspects had already been arrested in connection with the attacks and that investigations were ongoing to identify additional individuals involved in organising or participating in the assaults.
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She warned that authorities would pursue both those carrying out the attacks and those spreading misinformation online.
“We are appealing to residents to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information. Any concerns should be reported to the police for proper investigation,” Cherono said.
Growing concern over social media misinformation
The incidents have renewed concerns about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and triggering public panic. Security officials said some individuals are exploiting the viral nature of online platforms to gain attention, create fear and manipulate communities into taking unlawful action.
Authorities have cautioned content creators and social media users against publishing or amplifying false claims related to the alleged disappearances, warning that those found deliberately spreading misinformation could face legal action.
The county security committee reiterated that there is no medical or scientific evidence supporting claims that people’s genitalia can disappear through physical contact with strangers, urging residents to rely on verified information and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
As investigations continue, security agencies have increased surveillance in key markets and public spaces to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.
