The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three men in Ruai, Nairobi, accused of operating a criminal syndicate that allegedly used TikTok to lure young women into traps before gang-raping and robbing them.
According to the DCI, the suspects operated an anonymous TikTok account through which they built relationships with unsuspecting women before arranging to meet them in person.
Detectives said the victims were then allegedly taken to secluded or abandoned locations, where they were subjected to sexual violence and robbed of their valuables.
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What appeared to be an innocent TikTok connection allegedly became a sinister trap, as unsuspecting young women were lured into meetings before being gang-raped and robbed of… pic.twitter.com/1sgIk4sEpC
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) September 9, 2026
Some victims were also allegedly forced to transfer money through M-Pesa to accounts controlled by the suspects.
The DCI said an intelligence-led operation traced the suspects to the Benedicta area of Ruai, where detectives arrested Emanuel Bosire Arisa, Ismail Ouru Arisa and Brian Gatheru Nderitu.
Six mobile phones and two hooded jackets allegedly used by the suspects to conceal their identities were recovered during the operation.
Five women from separate incidents reported in Buruburu, Embakasi and Ruai have since positively identified the three suspects, according to the DCI.
Detectives are investigating whether the suspects were part of a larger criminal network, as they continue to trace other potential victims and accomplices.
The arrests have prompted the DCI to warn social media users, particularly young adults, against meeting people they encounter online in secluded locations.
The agency urged those arranging physical meetings with people they have met online to choose well-lit, public places and inform trusted contacts of their whereabouts.
“Never let someone you have just met online lead you into a secluded or isolated place,” the DCI said, warning that an apparently innocent invitation could turn into a dangerous trap.
The arrests have also drawn reactions on social media, with some Kenyans praising the detectives for the operation while urging young people to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online.
On X, user Jamhuri praised the DCI and called for a thorough investigation to ensure sufficient evidence is gathered to prosecute the suspects.
The three suspects remain under investigation, and allegations against them have not been proved in court.
