The government, through the Gender Ministry, has launched a full-scale response after a Russian national allegedly secretly recorded and circulated intimate videos of Kenyan women.
Authorities now say the case will be treated with urgency, given its cross-border nature.
“The Government of Kenya is coordinating a whole-of-government response,” Gender CS Hannah Cheptumo said in a statement shared on social media.
“Relevant security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to pursue the matter with urgency, including collaboration with international authorities. Any individual found culpable will face the full force of Kenyan law under the Penal Code, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, and all relevant statutes protecting women and children,” she promised.
The statement follows widespread outrage after viral videos showed the man, identified as Yaytseslav, approaching Kenyan women in public spaces, engaging them in conversations, and later recording intimate interactions without consent.
STATEMENT BY ON THE ALLEGED ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF KENYAN WOMEN INVOLVING A RUSSIAN NATIONAL pic.twitter.com/TlJnoun5Qo
— CS Hanna Wendot Cheptumo (@hannawcheptumo) February 16, 2026
Beyond enforcement, the Ministry said it will strengthen online safety policies, enhance protection for women and children against digital exploitation, and work with stakeholders in culture, tourism, hospitality, and digital platforms to boost prevention, awareness, and accountability.
“We stand in solidarity with all affected women and survivors of gender-based violence,” CS Cheptumo said, urging survivors to access the National GBV Toll-Free Helpline 1195 for support, counselling, and legal guidance.
The Ministry also called on the public to refrain from sharing or circulating harmful content, noting that doing so perpetuates abuse, undermines cultural values, and may attract criminal liability.
The case has sparked outrage across Kenya, with many condemning the exploitation and demanding stronger safeguards for women both online and offline.
Reports indicate that Yaytseslav targeted women in public locations, including malls and even a church, secretly recording them despite resistance from some victims.
