The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the alleged non-consensual recording and circulation of intimate videos involving Kenyan women, reportedly linked to a Russian national.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency said the case centres on the unlawful capture and online dissemination of private content without the consent of the victims — an act it described as a grave violation of privacy and human dignity.
The DCI has called on victims, affected persons and witnesses to come forward and assist with the investigations.
“The DCI encourages affected individuals, victims, or witnesses to record statements at the DCI headquarters. All statements will be handled with utmost confidentiality, dignity, and respect for the complainants’ privacy and well-being,” the statement read.
At the same time, the agency cautioned members of the public against sharing, forwarding or reposting the videos circulating online, warning that doing so amounts to secondary victimisation of the victims and could expose individuals to criminal liability.
According to the DCI, the reported acts constitute serious breaches of privacy and personal dignity as protected under Kenyan law. The agency further classified the incident as a form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Investigators noted that the suspected offences may attract charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Penal Code and other relevant laws governing digital and personal privacy offences.
To fast-track the probe, the DCI said it has activated its specialised cybercrime and gender-based violence units to trace digital footprints, secure electronic evidence and identify the suspect behind the recordings and their distribution.
“The specialised teams will focus on gathering and preserving digital evidence, tracking online activity linked to the videos and establishing the full circumstances under which the material was recorded and shared,” the agency said.
The DCI further assured victims and the general public that all information received during the investigations will be treated with sensitivity and the highest level of confidentiality.
Victims or witnesses have been advised to report directly to the DCI’s Gender-Based Violence Unit or submit information through the official DCI online reporting platform.
The agency reiterated that public cooperation is critical in bringing perpetrators of online sexual exploitation and digital abuse to justice, while also urging Kenyans to act responsibly on social media and digital platforms.
