Gov't orders manhunt for Russian over secret recordings of Kenyan women

In a press release, Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and a grave violation of personal dignity and privacy as enshrined under Articles 28 and 31 of the Constitution of Kenya.

It further characterised the alleged actions as an affront to Kenya’s national values, cultural integrity and the safety of women and girls.

Cheptumo stated that the matter represents a serious case of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and exploitation.

The government emphasised that such acts are not merely criminal offences but pose a broader threat to the country’s social fabric, which is grounded in respect for human dignity and the protection of vulnerable persons.

“Such violations undermine the fundamental principles upon which our society is built,” the statement noted, adding that the Government views digital exploitation as a growing and complex challenge requiring decisive intervention.

In response, the Government of Kenya has initiated what it describes as a “whole-of-government” response to the allegations. Relevant security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to pursue the matter as a priority.

"Given the cross-border nature of the case, authorities are also expected to collaborate with international counterparts to ensure thorough investigations and appropriate legal action," the statement said. 

The Ministry also stressed that any individual found culpable would face the full force of Kenyan law, including prosecution under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, as well as other statutes designed to safeguard women and children from exploitation.

Beyond enforcement, the Ministry signalled its intention to strengthen policy frameworks relating to online safety and protection from digital exploitation.

It pledged to enhance safeguards for women and children in both physical and virtual spaces.

"Engagements are planned with stakeholders in the culture, tourism and hospitality sectors, alongside digital platforms, to improve prevention strategies, raise public awareness and reinforce accountability mechanisms," it said.

The CS further expressed solidarity with the affected women and all survivors of gender-based violence, urging those impacted to seek confidential support through the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Toll-Free Helpline. 

Members of the public were also cautioned against sharing or circulating harmful content, with the Ministry warning that doing so perpetuates abuse, erodes cultural values of respect and may attract criminal liability.

As the government body mandated to safeguard gender equality, cultural dignity and the protection of children, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national policy frameworks to prevent exploitation, promote responsible digital conduct and protect the rights and well-being of all citizens.

"Kenya remains firm in defending the dignity of its men, women, boys and girls, both offline and online,” the statement concluded.