The entrance to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) along Kiambu road on April 15, 2022 where chief executives of oil marketers where issued with show-cause letters by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRa) to appear before DCI officials over the shortage of petroleum products faced in the country recently. Picture by Francis Nderitu
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the alleged non-consensual recording and circulation of intimate videos involving Kenyan women and a suspected Russian national.
In a press statement issued Tuesday evening, the DCI said it had noted the matter “with grave concern,” terming the reported acts serious violations of privacy, personal dignity and constitutional rights.
The agency warned that such conduct amounts to technology-facilitated gender-based violence and could attract charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Penal Code and other statutes protecting women and children.
“As the premier investigative agency in the country, the DCI has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the matter,” the statement read.
The probe includes the immediate activation of specialised cybercrime and gender-based violence investigation units to gather evidence, trace digital footprints and identify the suspect. The agency added that it is coordinating with international law enforcement partners and relevant foreign authorities due to the cross-border elements of the case.
The DCI further said it would pursue any individuals or entities involved in the recording, dissemination or further circulation of the harmful content.
Victims, affected individuals and witnesses have been urged to come forward and record statements at DCI headquarters, with assurances that all reports will be handled with confidentiality, sensitivity and respect for privacy.
Members of the public were also cautioned against sharing, reposting or further circulating non-consensual intimate content, warning that doing so perpetuates secondary victimisation and may attract criminal liability under Kenyan law.
The investigative agency reaffirmed its commitment to upholding justice and protecting vulnerable persons in both physical and digital spaces. It also pledged to work closely with relevant government agencies, stakeholders and international counterparts to bring those responsible to account and to prevent future occurrences.
This came a day after the government vowed to take action following allegations of abuse and exploitation of Kenyan women involving a Russian national, with the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services pledging swift investigations and support for victims.
Through a statement, CS Hannah Wendot said the ministry had taken note of the serious allegations circulating on social and mainstream media and described the claims as deeply disturbing.
The Cabinet Secretary cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that misinformation could compromise investigations and retraumatise victims. While acknowledging the public outrage the allegations have sparked, she called for calm as investigative agencies carry out their mandate.
The CS said no one is above the law and that foreign nationals residing or operating in Kenya are equally bound by the country’s legal framework.
“As a government, we will not tolerate any form of abuse against Kenyan women and children…the ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as investigations progress,” she said.
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