NAIROBI, Kenya- More than 20 content creators were arrested in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 21, following a surge in public complaints over harassment and indecent behaviour carried out in the name of social media content creation.
Police confirmed that officers from Pangani Police Station apprehended the suspects after residents reported repeated incidents in Eastleigh, Pangani, and parts of Muthaiga.
How the Alleged Harassment Was Carried Out
According to investigators, the arrested TikTokers deliberately targeted pedestrians—particularly women and young girls—while recording videos for online platforms.
Police say the group would sneak up on unsuspecting members of the public from behind, touch them inappropriately, shout at them, or deliberately startle them to provoke reactions for camera.
The footage was later uploaded to social media in a bid to attract views, engagement, and followers.
In several clips circulating online, young men can be seen accosting pedestrians along busy streets, with incidents ranging from unwanted physical contact to frightening victims who appeared visibly distressed.
The videos quickly sparked public outrage, with many Kenyans calling for action against creators abusing social media for harmful pranks.
Court Action and Police Warning
Authorities confirmed that the suspects will be arraigned in court on Wednesday, where they are expected to face multiple charges, including harassment, indecent assault, and recording individuals without consent.
Police further noted that investigations are ongoing and warned content creators against violating the law under the guise of entertainment.
Officers said social media platforms do not offer immunity from prosecution, especially where actions infringe on personal safety and dignity.
A Pattern Authorities Have Flagged Before
The arrests follow earlier warnings by leaders over similar incidents.
In November last year, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris raised alarm after a viral video showed young men harassing girls while claiming to be creating content.
At the time, Passaris described the trend as a dangerous abuse of digital platforms and questioned the safety of women subjected to such encounters.
“I am calling on the DCI Kenya to apprehend these boys immediately,” she said then. “Let this serve as a warning to anyone who assaults another person, especially under the guise of content creation. Enough is enough.”
Police say Tuesday’s arrests send a clear message that harassment—online or offline—will not be tolerated.
