Detectives in Mombasa County have arrested a man and his girlfriend over allegations of sharing intimate videos of his ex-girlfriend on social media platforms.
The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Jackson Wamalwa and his girlfriend, 23-year-old Michelle Luyeku, were taken into custody after investigations revealed that Wamalwa recorded and shared obscene videos of his former partner. The images were later distributed online by Luyeku without the victim’s consent, sparking outrage and prompting swift police action.
Authorities confirmed that the pair were arrested in Kongowea, Mombasa, on Saturday and are currently being held at a local police station as they await arraignment in court. The two are facing multiple charges, including cyber harassment, violation of privacy, threatening to kill, and sexual harassment.
Police noted that the act contravenes the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act (CMCA) of 2018, specifically section 37, which criminalizes the wrongful distribution of intimate images without the consent of the victim. This provision is aimed at curbing the rising cases of revenge porn and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), which have continued to affect many young people across the country.
The County police leadership issued a stern warning to youths against the misuse of mobile phones and social media, noting that such actions can have life-long consequences, including imprisonment. They emphasized the importance of responsible digital behavior, urging young people to protect their privacy and that of others rather than exploiting technology for malicious purposes.
Parents were also urged to take an active role in educating their children on the dangers of misusing social media. Authorities further called on media, schools, and civil society organizations to create awareness campaigns about technology-related crimes, with the aim of preventing cases that could result in legal penalties or even tragic outcomes such as loss of life.
The suspects are expected to appear before a Mombasa court where formal charges will be filed. If found guilty, they face stiff penalties under the CMCA, including lengthy prison sentences.
This incident adds to the growing number of cases highlighting the misuse of technology in personal relationships and the need for stronger public awareness on the responsible use of digital platforms.
