MOMBASA, Kenya- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned residents in the Coast region against a wave of fraudulent “genital theft” claims, saying criminal gangs are using the hoax to incite mob attacks and rob unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement issued on Friday, Coast Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Benson Kasyoki said detectives had recorded 19 reported incidents across Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties, with the rumours already leading to two deaths through mob justice.
According to the DCI, Kilifi accounted for nine cases, Kwale seven, and Mombasa three.
The agency said two people—one in Kwale and another in Mombasa—were killed after being falsely accused by mobs following allegations that they had caused another person’s genitals to disappear or shrink through physical contact.
The DCI said investigations conducted jointly with the Ministry of Health and county medical officers found no evidence to support the claims.
“Clinical examinations and forensic medical results conclusively proved there was no physical harm, no anatomical changes and no loss of organs,” the statement said.
Investigators said intelligence gathered so far indicates that organised criminal syndicates are deliberately staging the incidents to create panic and distract crowds before stealing from bystanders.
According to the DCI, the scheme typically involves a suspect falsely claiming that their genitals disappeared after being touched by another person. As crowds gather and assault the accused, accomplices exploit the confusion to pickpocket, mug pedestrians and rob members of the public.
The agency also blamed the rapid spread of false and unverified information on social media for fuelling panic and encouraging further incidents.
To address the trend, the Coast Regional Criminal Investigations Office has ordered an intensified security crackdown across the three counties.
The DCI said detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and mobile phone videos from the two fatal incidents and warned that anyone found participating in, inciting or cheering acts of mob justice will be arrested and could face murder charges.
It also warned that individuals who deliberately fabricate claims that their genitals have disappeared will be arrested and prosecuted for offences including creating a public disturbance and incitement to violence.
The agency added that cybercrime investigators have been deployed to identify and arrest people responsible for spreading the hoax online.
According to the DCI, 17 of the 19 reported cases are already pending before the courts, as authorities intensify investigations into those suspected of orchestrating the false claims.
The DCI appealed to residents of Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa to remain calm, ignore the rumours and report any attempts to incite crowds to the nearest police station or DCI office instead of taking the law into their own hands.
“Do not allow criminal gangs to weaponise psychological anxieties to cause bloodshed in our communities,” the agency said.