The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced investigations into the alleged non-consensual recording and subsequent circulation of intimate videos online involving Kenyan women by a suspected Russian man.
This comes after an uproar on social media that saw people call for action to be taken against the involved individual who is also alleged to have shared intimate videos of himself and some women from Ghana as well.
In a statement, the DCI condemned the recording and sharing of the videos without consent, terming the actions as gender-based violence against women.
“The DCI strongly condemns these reported acts, which constitute serious violations of privacy, personal dignity, and the rights of victims as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya,” it explained.
The Directorate stated that a comprehensive inquiry into the case was underway with various measures taken, including the immediate activation of specialized cybercrime and gender-based violence investigation units to gather evidence, trace digital footprints, and identify the suspect.
Investigations across physical borders
Additionally, the DCI is coordinating with international law enforcement partners and relevant foreign authorities and pursuing any individuals or entities involved in the recording, dissemination, or further circulation of the content.
“Such conduct also amounts to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, exploitation, and potential offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Penal Code, and other relevant statutes protecting women and children,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the DCI urged affected individuals, victims, or witnesses to go forward and record statements at its headquarters, adding that their cases would be handled with professionalism.
“All statements will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, dignity, sensitivity, and respect for the privacy and well-being of the complainants.”
Protecting the victims after the fact
The DCI also warned members of the public against sharing, reposting, or further circulating the non-consensual intimate content, explaining that doing so perpetuates secondary victimization and may attract criminal liability under the Kenyan law.
It assured victims of a thorough investigation that would ensure they got justice and future incidents were prevented.
“The DCI remains committed to upholding justice, protecting vulnerable persons, and ensuring accountability in both physical and digital spaces. We will work tirelessly with all relevant government agencies, stakeholders, and international counterparts to bring those responsible to justice and prevent future occurrences.”
The body also called on members of the public to report such criminalities through its various channels. As the story unfolds, many Kenyans are waiting to see how the government handles the case, even as more people share diverse views online on how the Russian man easily lured women, including married ones, to engage in intimate acts.
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