Gender CS Denounces Disturbing Nairobi Club Video Violating Dignity

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, and Children Services Hanna Wendot Cheptumo has condemned the recording and circulation of a disturbing video involving a woman in a vulnerable condition at a Nairobi entertainment establishment, warning that such actions violate constitutional rights and legal standards. In a statement Sunday, the CS said she had taken note of the footage circulating widely on social media and expressed concern over the circumstances under which it was recorded and shared. “I have taken note of a disturbing video circulating in the public domain involving the recording and dissemination of images of a woman in a vulnerable condition within a Nairobi entertainment establishment,” Cheptumo said. She reaffirmed that the Constitution of Kenya guarantees the dignity and privacy of every individual, stressing that such rights cannot be overridden by digital exposure or public curiosity. “The Ministry reaffirms that the dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy of every person are inviolable and are guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya,” she said, adding that “any conduct that undermines these rights, whether through action, omission, or digital transmission, is unacceptable.” The CS said the incident raises serious questions about consent, ethical conduct, and adherence to the law, particularly in spaces where individuals may be exposed to heightened vulnerability. “The circumstances surrounding the recording and distribution of this material raise serious concerns regarding consent, responsible conduct, and compliance with existing legal and ethical standards, particularly in environments where individuals may be vulnerable,” she noted. Cheptumo said her ministry is working with relevant agencies to assess the incident within their respective mandates and determine appropriate action. “The Ministry is engaging relevant agencies to review the matter within their respective mandates. Appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law,” she said. Under Kenyan law, the right to privacy is protected by Article 31 of the Constitution, while the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act criminalises the unauthorised sharing of intimate or sensitive images. The Data Protection Act also places obligations on individuals and entities to handle personal data responsibly. The CS urged members of the public to act responsibly, cautioning that continued sharing and commentary could cause further harm to the individual involved. “We urge members of the public to exercise restraint and responsibility by refraining from the further circulation of such material and by avoiding commentary that may occasion additional harm,” she said. Cheptumo said the government remains committed to safeguarding human dignity both online and offline. “The Government remains fully committed to the protection of human dignity and to the advancement of a society founded on respect, accountability and the rule of law, both offline and online,” she said. The incident has sparked renewed debate on digital ethics, consent and the role of the public in preventing online harm, particularly against women and vulnerable persons. The woman in the viral video has since shed light on events that have sparked public outrage and renewed debate on consent, exploitation and the misuse of social media. Identified as Marion Naipei, she recounted the incident while speaking to Nairobi County Chief Officer in charge of Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria. Her account comes days after a video circulated widely online showing her dancing and stumbling while a man was recording her in an indecent exposure — an act that drew sharp backlash for being inappropriate and demeaning. According to Naipei, the incident traces back to a meeting arranged with a man she had been communicating with for about a year. She said the man had been living abroad and had made numerous promises during their interactions. “I met him on January 5 Monday morning,” Naipei said, explaining how the encounter unfolded. She said the man first contacted her through a text message. “He asked me where I was and I told him I was in Mwihoko asked me if we could meet,” she narrated. Naipei said the man offered to facilitate the meeting by paying for her transport. “He paid for the cab and asked me to go in club and promised he will come to pay,” she said. Upon arriving at the venue, Naipei said she found a group of people already present. “I went inside and there was a group of six people plus one of his friends,” she stated. The group began drinking, and as the night progressed, Naipei said she asked the man to settle the bill. “We drank and then I asked him to pay the bill, and he told me to drink some more. He came and paid the bill and bought some food,” she said. They later moved to another location. “We then left the place and went to a small club,” she recounted. It was there, she said, that the situation took a disturbing turn. Describing the emotional impact of the incident, she said: “He embarrassed me, he body shamed me. I feel traumatised right now. I am sorry to all Kenyans. I made a mistake.” “I was intoxicated so much, and that guy took advantage of the situation,” she added. She questioned the intent behind the recording, saying, “what if I had agreed to his request, he would still have recorded me.” She apologised to her loved ones and the public. “I am sorry to my family, and I am sorry to myself too. I have to find a way to forgive myself,” she said.