The Government of Kenya has launched a full‑scale manhunt for a Russian national accused of abusing and sexually exploiting Kenyan women by secretly recording and circulating intimate content without consent.
In a statement on Monday, Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo described the alleged actions as a gross violation of human dignity and privacy protected under the Constitution.
The Cabinet Secretary condemned the conduct as a form of technology‑facilitated gender‑based violence and exploitation, warning that such behaviour undermines national values and threatens societal wellbeing.
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She confirmed that a whole‑of‑government response is now underway, with security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies directed to urgently trace and apprehend the suspect.
Given the cross‑border nature of the case, Kenyan authorities say they are working with international partners to ensure the foreign national is brought to justice.
CS Wendot emphasised that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, including charges under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
The Government has also warned the public against sharing or circulating the alleged content, noting that doing so could amount to further abuse and attract criminal sanctions.
Several online posts and videos allegedly show the suspect approaching women in public spaces, initiating casual conversations before recording encounters without informed consent.
Although no explicit sexual acts appear in the footage reported so far, rights campaigners and legal experts argue that non‑consensual recording and distribution of intimate content is exploitative and unlawful.
The outrage has been widespread on social media, with Kenyans demanding that authorities prosecute the perpetrator and defend victims’ rights.
CS Wendot reiterated that the Government takes any form of abuse or exploitation seriously, especially when it targets women and girls in both offline and virtual spaces.
Beyond enforcement, the ministry plans to strengthen digital safety measures and enhance policy frameworks to protect women and children from similar incidents in future.
In the official statement, victims and survivors of gender‑based violence were urged to seek support through the National Gender‑Based Violence (GBV) Toll‑Free Helpline 1195, which offers counselling, legal referral and psychosocial services.
The helpline operates around the clock and is designed to help survivors access real‑time interventions and support services nationwide.
CS Wendot affirmed the Government’s solidarity with affected women, stressing that survivors deserve justice and dignity as the investigation unfolds.
The ongoing case has reignited discussions about digital rights, privacy and the responsibilities of individuals and platforms in protecting vulnerable populations.
As the manhunt continues, authorities have appealed to the public to provide any credible information that could help in locating and arresting the suspect.
