Likoni police have arrested a man for falsely accusing another of stealing his genitals through touch, as a viral rumour sparks mob attacks across the Coast region.
Likoni Police Issue Stern Warning Against Spread of Viral "Disappearing Genitals" Claims
A bizarre rumour has gripped parts of the Coast region, leading to public assaults and police arrests, as residents accuse strangers of making private parts vanish through a mere touch or phone call.
Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Kyalo Mutungi has come out strongly against the spread of these unverified claims, confirming that one suspect is already in custody over an incident linked to the panic.
What Happened at Ferry
According to the commander, Ali Hamisi Bashir was arrested at the Ferry area in Likoni after he publicly accused Juma Saidi Mwachipanga of stealing his private parts. The accusation triggered an angry mob, and Mwachipanga was assaulted by members of the public before police intervened and rescued him.
Hamisi is currently held at Likoni Police Station as investigations continue, ahead of his arraignment in court. Mutungi noted that the suspect is expected to face charges of assault and incitement.
A Rumour Spreading Fast
Social media has been awash with posts and videos claiming that people — mostly men — are losing their private parts simply by being touched or tapped by strangers on the street. The claims have stirred fear and suspicion in public spaces, with some residents reportedly avoiding physical contact with strangers altogether.
Police say the panic is not confined to Likoni alone. Twelve other people have been arrested in Diani, Kwale County, and Mtopanga, Mombasa, in connection with the same viral rumour, an indication of how widely the claims have travelled across the Coast.
Police Urge Calm
Mutungi has urged residents to stop sharing and circulating the unverified claims, warning that such rumours can incite violence against innocent people, as was the case with Mwachipanga. He emphasized that anyone with similar fears or suspicions should report to the nearest police station rather than take matters into their own hands.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely to prevent further mob attacks linked to the rumour.