The Kenyan government has launched a nationwide manhunt for a Russian national, identified only as Yaytseslav, who secretly recorded and circulated intimate images of Kenyan women without their consent.
In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hanna Cheptumo, condemned the act as a “grave violation of personal dignity and privacy” under the Constitution of Kenya. She described the incident as a serious case of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and a threat to national values and the safety of women and girls.
The government has instructed all relevant security, investigative, and prosecutorial agencies to treat the matter as a priority. Cross-border cooperation with international authorities will also be pursued to ensure a thorough investigation and legal action.
Cheptumo warned that anyone found responsible will face the full force of Kenyan law, including prosecution under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. Beyond enforcement, the Ministry plans to strengthen online safety policies and improve safeguards for women and children.
The Ministry urged the public not to share or circulate harmful content, noting that doing so perpetuates abuse and may attract criminal liability. Survivors of gender-based violence were encouraged to seek support through the National GBV Toll-Free Helpline.
“Kenya remains firm in defending the dignity of its men, women, boys and girls, both offline and online,” the statement concluded, underscoring the country’s commitment to protecting citizens from digital exploitation.
