A woman from Laare, Meru County, identified as Purity Kendi, has publicly apologized to Kenyans after an intimate video of her went viral on social media. The video, which has been trending for several days, sparked widespread online reactions and left Kendi facing harsh criticism and public humiliation.
Speaking tearfully, Kendi pleaded with Kenyans to forgive her, explaining that she had fallen victim to manipulation. She revealed that a man deceived her into recording and sending the explicit video, promising to help her financially. According to her, the man initially sent her KSh 20,000, but later began threatening to expose the videos unless she sent him more money.
“Najua niliwakosea nyinyi Wakenya, tafadhali naomba msamaha. Kuna mwanaume alinidanganya kuwa atanisaidia, nikamtumia hizo videos na yeye akanitumia 20k. Baadaye akanitishia akisema nisipomtumia 2k atanianika. Nilikuwa na stress ya kulipia watoto wangu school fees, sasa yeye alinifanya nipate stress zaidi,” Kendi said in a heartfelt apology.
Following the scandal, her life took a tragic turn. Angry youths reportedly torched down her small kiosk, leaving her homeless and traumatized. Police officers in Laare were forced to intervene and rescue her from a violent mob that was allegedly planning to assault her.
The emotional impact has also extended to her family. Her teenage son, who is a KCSE candidate, broke down in tears while condemning his mother’s actions. Struggling to contain his emotions, he said he was deeply hurt and embarrassed by the incident, noting that the video had been widely circulated online. “I am so worried about that video; many people have seen it,” he said.
The incident has sparked a nationwide discussion about cyberbullying, privacy violations, and online exploitation, with many Kenyans urging compassion for Kendi while condemning those who shared the video. Others have called for the arrest of the man who leaked the video, emphasizing that revenge pornography is a serious crime under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018.
As investigations continue, Purity Kendi remains under police protection as she recovers from the trauma. Her story serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of digital exploitation and the urgent need for empathy, accountability, and stronger enforcement of cybercrime laws.
