Nairobi — Detectives have arrested three men suspected of luring young women through TikTok before allegedly sexually assaulting and robbing them in separate incidents in Nairobi.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects allegedly operated an anonymous TikTok account that they used to establish contact with unsuspecting women and arrange physical meetings.
Investigators say what appeared to be ordinary social-media interactions would allegedly turn into violent encounters after the victims were taken to secluded or abandoned locations.
The women were allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed of their valuables. In some cases, detectives said, victims were forced to transfer money through M-Pesa to accounts allegedly controlled by the suspects.
Three suspects arrested in Ruai
Following intelligence gathered during the investigations, detectives traced the suspects to the Benedicta area of Ruai, where they were arrested.
The suspects were identified as Emanuel Bosire Arisa, Ismail Ouru Arisa and Brian Gatheru Nderitu.
Police recovered six mobile phones from the suspects, as well as two hooded jackets allegedly used to conceal their identities during the commission of the offences.
The DCI said the arrests followed a forensic trail linking the suspects to several reported incidents.
Five victims identify suspects
The three suspects have reportedly been positively identified by five victims in separate cases reported in Buruburu, Embakasi and Ruai.
The identification has strengthened the investigators’ case as detectives continue examining evidence and determining whether the suspects could be connected to other similar incidents.
Investigators are also working to identify additional victims and establish whether other individuals may have been involved in the alleged criminal network.
The suspects are expected to face the legal process as detectives finalise investigations into the reported offences.
DCI issues warning over online meetings
The DCI has urged members of the public, particularly young people, to exercise caution when meeting people they first encounter online.
Authorities advised people to arrange first meetings in safe, public places, avoid secluded locations and ensure that a trusted person knows their whereabouts.
The agency warned that online profiles may not always reflect the true identity or intentions of the person behind them, urging users to take precautions before agreeing to meet strangers in person.
