Mombasa: Coast Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Benson Kasyoki has dismissed as false and baseless the rumors circulating on social media about reported cases of disappearing body parts, especially the male private parts, in Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kasyoki, speaking during a press briefing at the Criminal Investigations Office, stated that the stories suggesting that body parts could disappear after greeting someone are a hoax. He emphasized that medical experts had confirmed there was no loss of organs, physical harm, or disappearance in any of the reported cases.
Kasyoki observed that these rumors were being used by criminals as a tactic to distract the public, making it easier to rob or mug them. He urged the public to stop circulating these unverified claims on platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp, insisting that the information had not been verified. He called on the residents of Kwale, Mombasa, and Kilifi counties to remain calm and report any related information to the police.
He revealed that 19 incidents had been reported, with 17 pending before the court and the others still under investigation. Among these, there have been two deaths, one in Mombasa and another in Kilifi, which are also being investigated.
Kasyoki pointed out that individuals claiming to have lost their private parts after shaking hands with strangers were taken for medical examinations and subsequently arrested when their claims were found to be false. He warned that the police would not tolerate the spread of such false information and that anyone found perpetuating these rumors would face arrest and prosecution.
He encouraged the public to report any related cases to the nearest police station or DCI office.
