The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has strongly condemned the secret recording and circulation of intimate images of Kenyan women by a foreign national, terming it a grave violation of privacy and dignity.
The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has issued a firm statement denouncing the alleged secret filming and online circulation of intimate images involving Kenyan women without their consent.
In a press release, Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and a serious breach of personal dignity and privacy as guaranteed under Articles 28 and 31 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Government Terms Incident Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
The Ministry characterised the alleged actions as a form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation, warning that such conduct threatens not only individual victims but also Kenya’s broader social fabric.
According to the statement, the incident represents an affront to national values, cultural integrity, and the safety of women and girls.
“Such violations undermine the fundamental principles upon which our society is built,” the statement read, noting that digital exploitation is an emerging and complex challenge requiring decisive government intervention.
Whole-of-Government Response Launched
In response to the allegations, the Government of Kenya has initiated what it described as a “whole-of-government” approach, directing relevant security, investigative, and prosecutorial agencies to treat the matter as a priority.
Given the reported cross-border elements of the case, authorities are expected to work closely with international counterparts to ensure comprehensive investigations and appropriate legal action.
The Ministry emphasised that any individual found culpable will face prosecution under existing Kenyan laws, including the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, alongside other statutes designed to protect women and children from exploitation.
Focus on Online Safety and Digital Accountability
Beyond enforcement, the Ministry signalled plans to strengthen national policy frameworks aimed at enhancing online safety and preventing digital exploitation.
It pledged to reinforce safeguards for women and children in both physical and virtual environments, while engaging stakeholders across the culture, tourism, hospitality, and digital platform sectors to improve prevention strategies and accountability mechanisms.
The Ministry also warned members of the public against sharing or circulating harmful content, stating that doing so perpetuates abuse, erodes societal values of respect, and may attract criminal liability.
Support for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
CS Cheptumo expressed solidarity with the affected women and all survivors of gender-based violence, encouraging those impacted to seek confidential support through the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Toll-Free Helpline.
As the government body mandated to promote gender equality, protect children, and uphold cultural dignity, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policies that prevent exploitation, promote responsible digital conduct, and safeguard 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.
