Why Sharing the Viral Nairobi Woman’s Video Could Get You Arrested
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has warned that sharing or reposting intimate images and videos without consent is illegal and may lead to criminal prosecution. In a statement issued on Monday, 19 January 2026, the organisation urged members of the public to stop circulating or commenting on viral content involving private individuals.
It said such actions contribute to online harassment and expose those involved to legal consequences. FIDA-Kenya said the unauthorised sharing of intimate material violates rights protected under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Article 28 safeguards the right to dignity, while Article 31 guarantees the right to privacy, including protection against the disclosure of personal information without consent.
The organisation also cited the Data Protection Act, 2019, and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018. It noted that Sections 37 and 42 of the Cybercrimes Act criminalise the unauthorised sharing of personal data and intimate images, regardless of how widely the content is circulated online.
The warning follows the circulation of a video showing a Kenyan woman in a compromising situation at an entertainment venue. The footage, which began circulating on 17 January, was recorded and shared without her consent.
On Monday, the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, and Children Services, Hanna Wendot, said the government would take action against those responsible for recording and distributing the video.vFIDA-Kenya said women are disproportionately affected by the non-consensual sharing of intimate content, often facing humiliation, damage to their reputations, and psychological harm.
The organisation added that victims may pursue civil claims, including suits for damages related to defamation and emotional distress. The organisation noted that rapid online sharing does not remove legal or ethical obligations. It warned that social media platforms can amplify harm by enabling harassment and exploitation, while constitutional protections remain enforceable in digital spaces.
