The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has raised alarm over a wave of fraudulent claims involving alleged “genital disappearance” after physical contact, warning that criminal syndicates are exploiting public fear to orchestrate robberies and incite deadly mob justice across the Coast region.
In a statement issued by the Regional Criminal Investigation Officer (RCIO)Coast Benson Kasyoki 19 incidents linked to the hoax have been reported across Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa counties.
Kilifi recorded the highest number of cases with nine, followed by Kwale with seven and Mombasa with three. Two people have lost their lives after being lynched by mobs in separate incidents in Kwale and Mombasa following false accusations.
Kasyoki said investigations conducted jointly with the Ministry of Health and County Medical Officers found no evidence to support the claims.
“All alleged victims have undergone thorough clinical examinations and forensic medical results conclusively prove zero physical harm, zero anatomical changes, and zero loss of organs,” said Kasyoki.
According to Kasyoki organized criminal syndicates are using the false claims to create panic before carrying out thefts and robberies.
The DCI explained that the criminals stage incidents where one suspect falsely shouts that their organs have disappeared after being touched by an innocent passerby. As members of the public gather and attack the accused, accomplices steal from bystanders, pickpocket victims and rob pedestrians. Police also blamed the rapid spread of unverified information on social media for escalating fear and mob justice.
The RCIO announced a series of enforcement measures to curb the trend, including pursuing murder charges against those involved in the fatal mob attacks.
"Anyone identified participating in, inciting, or cheering mob justice will be arrested and charged with murder,” the RCIO warned.
The DCI further warned that individuals who deliberately raise false alarms claiming their organs have disappeared will face prosecution for incitement to violence and creating a public disturbance.
Cybercrime officers have also been deployed to identify and arrest those spreading the hoax online, with the agency revealing that 17 of the 19 reported cases are already pending before court.
Appealing for calm, the RCIO urged residents not to fall prey to misinformation or participate in mob justice.
"I urge all residents of Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa to remain calm, ignore these malicious hoaxes, and go about their daily businesses without fear. Do not allow criminal gangs to weaponize psychological anxieties to cause bloodshed in our communities,” the RCIO said.
The DCI has advised members of the public to report any attempts to incite crowds or stage similar false alarms to the nearest police station or DCI office instead of taking the law into their own hands.
