The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has cautioned the residents of the Coastal region over a growing wave of fraudulent “genital disappearance” claims.
According to the authority, the hoax is being exploited by criminal gangs to incite mob violence and facilitate theft.
Reports indicate that according to the DCI Coast Region Coordinator, Benson Kasyoki, 19 incidents linked to the false allegations have been reported across Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties, resulting in two deaths after innocent members of the public were lynched by angry mobs.
The authorities cautions the public against genital disappearance claims
The cases have been recorded in Kwale (seven), Kilifi (nine) and Mombasa (three). One person was killed in Kwale and another in Mombasa after being falsely accused of causing the alleged disappearance or shrinking of victims’ genital organs through physical contact.
The DCI revealed investigations conducted jointly with the Ministry of Health and County Medical Officers found no medical evidence to support the claims.
Investigators now believe the incidents are part of an organised criminal scheme designed to create panic and distract members of the public while accomplices steal from unsuspecting victims.
According to the DCI, the criminals typically stage a scene in which one suspect falsely claims their genital organs have disappeared after being touched by another person.
As crowds gather and turn against the accused, accomplices allegedly take advantage of the chaos to pickpocket, rob pedestrians and commit other crimes.
The authorities further blamed the rapid spread of the rumours on individuals circulating false and unverified information on social media, saying the misinformation has fuelled public panic and violence.
