What started as disturbing online whispers has now become a full-blown government matter in Kenya.
What’s Happening In Kenya?
Authorities are currently searching for a Russian man shown in a viral video clip inviting Kenyan women into his home. Some others he lures into relationships but records all intimate moments without consent and is allegedly selling the videos online. As the outrage grows, the Kenyan government has stepped in.
Kenya’s lawyer and gender cabinet secretary, Hanna Wendot, has addressed the issue, urging all affected victims to seek counselling and legal assistance through the 1195 hotline. She clearly stated that being in a relationship with someone does not give them the right to record or share private images online. 
According to her statement, authorities accuse the suspect of violating Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act and are working with international organizations that protect women and children to bring him to justice.
“This is a serious crime of sexual violence using technology to harass. As a government, we take it very seriously and will use all means to get justice,” said Wendot in a statement on Monday, February 16.
The ministry also announced that it will strengthen cybersecurity and digital abuse policies to better protect women and children from both physical and online exploitation.
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She strongly warned Kenyans against sharing the videos or images, stressing that doing so would only deepen the psychological harm suffered by the victims. The government added that anyone found spreading the content will also face legal consequences. Officials said these images should never be treated as entertainment.
In her statement, she admonished any attempt to blame the women involved. On behalf of the government, she insisted that every woman deserves respect despite the leak and urged the public to focus on the wrongdoing itself rather than shaming the victims.
She also insisted that the women who were with the Russian man deserve respect despite the leak of their videos.
This is no longer just a viral scandal. Kenyan authorities have now declared it a serious legal and human rights issue, making it clear that they will not ignore digital abuse.
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