Gender CS Hanna Cheptumo Condemns Secret Filming of Kenyan Women, Orders Probe
News Updated: 16 February 2026 21:39 EAT
Gender CS Hanna Cheptumo
Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo has strongly condemned the alleged secret filming and circulation of intimate images of Kenyan women by a Russian national, terming the act a grave violation of privacy and personal dignity.
In a statement issued by the ministry, Cheptumo described the incident as a disturbing form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence that infringes on constitutional protections of human dignity and the right to privacy. She said such conduct undermines the safety and security of women both online and offline.
The Cabinet Secretary directed investigative agencies to urgently pursue the matter and ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted. She stressed that Kenya will not tolerate exploitation of women under any circumstances.
Authorities have reportedly launched a manhunt for the foreign national accused of secretly recording and sharing the images without consent. Security agencies are expected to collaborate with relevant international bodies where necessary due to the cross-border elements of the case.
Cheptumo warned that individuals found sharing or distributing the material could also face legal consequences under existing cybercrime and criminal laws. She urged the public to refrain from forwarding or reposting the content.
The ministry emphasized that non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate material constitutes a criminal offence and amounts to digital abuse. Officials noted that such acts cause lasting psychological harm to victims.
Cheptumo expressed solidarity with affected women and encouraged survivors to seek support through available government channels, including counselling and legal assistance services.
The case has triggered widespread public outrage and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of online safety laws to curb emerging forms of digital exploitation targeting women and girls.
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FELIX MAKONA
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