The government has directed security and investigative agencies to urgently pursue the case of a Russian national accused of exploiting Kenyan women in explicit online content, including working with international authorities to track and arrest him.
Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo, in a statement issued Monday, February 16, said the cross-border nature of the matter required collaboration with foreign security agencies. She warned that anyone found to have aided the suspect would face legal action.
“Relevant security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to pursue the matter with urgency, including collaboration with international authorities, given the cross-border nature of the case. 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,” Cheptumo said.
The CS condemned the actions of Vyacheslav Trahov, also known as Yaytseslav, describing them as a violation of human rights and an attack on the dignity and privacy of the victims, as well as Kenya’s national values and cultural integrity.
She also cautioned members of the public against sharing the videos circulating online, noting that doing so amounts to abuse and could attract criminal liability.
“We further call upon members of the public to refrain from sharing or circulating harmful content, as doing so perpetuates abuse, undermines cultural values of respect, and may attract criminal liability,” she said.
Cheptumo expressed solidarity with the affected women and other survivors of gender-based violence, urging victims to seek confidential assistance through the National Gender-Based Violence toll-free helpline 1195 for counselling, legal referral, psychosocial care and protection services.
She described the circulation of the videos as a form of online gender-based violence and exploitation, adding that the Ministry would strengthen policy measures on digital safety and protection of women and children in both physical and virtual spaces.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also condemned the incident while urging Kenyans to reflect on personal values.
“Let us love ourselves as Africans. You should not just see a white man and assume that it is your ticket to get rich,” Mwaura said.
The case has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans online, with some victims reportedly facing intense backlash after being identified in connection with the Russian national.
