By Erestinah Jane, June 23, 2026
MOMBASA, Kenya – Security officials in Mombasa have dismissed viral claims of alleged “genital disappearance” incidents circulating on social media, terming them false, misleading, and part of a criminal scheme being used to defraud and attack unsuspecting members of the public.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor, speaking during a press briefing at the Uhuru na Kazi Building on Tuesday, said investigations conducted by security agencies and medical professionals had found no verified cases to support the widely shared claims, which have gained traction on platforms such as TikTok.
He warned that criminal groups are taking advantage of the rumours to stage fake accusations, target victims in public spaces, and incite mob justice.
According to Noor, the pattern being observed involves individuals approaching members of the public—often in crowded areas such as markets and bus stops—before falsely accusing them of causing the disappearance of their private parts. The allegations are then quickly followed by mob attacks, usually accompanied by theft of mobile phones, cash, and other valuables.
He explained:
“There are criminals who have come into town. They approach you when they see you carrying a phone or money, and claim that you have caused the disappearance of their private parts. Immediately after that, the person is attacked and beaten by members of the public.”
The County Commissioner revealed that one suspect had already been arrested in Likoni after allegedly claiming to have suffered genital disappearance, only for medical examinations to confirm that there was no physical condition supporting the claim.
“We have arrested one suspect in Likoni who claimed he had lost his genital organs, but doctors confirmed that everything was normal. That kind of power does not exist.”
Noor further stated that coordinated inspections conducted across hospitals and health centres in Mombasa and surrounding counties had not recorded any genuine medical cases related to the allegations. He described the reports as fabricated stories amplified on social media to create panic and confusion among residents.
“We have visited all hospitals and health centres everywhere, and there is nothing. It is just rumours being misused, especially on TikTok,” he said.
Security officials believe the rumours are being deliberately circulated to facilitate criminal activity, particularly theft and assaults in busy commercial areas. Noor warned that individuals found participating in such schemes would face the full force of the law.
He also confirmed that investigators have obtained video evidence showing incidents where innocent members of the public were assaulted following false accusations, adding that those involved in mob attacks would be tracked and prosecuted.
“We have obtained those videos and we will follow up, especially on those who were involved in beating innocent people,” he warned.
Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono, who also addressed the press, urged residents to remain calm and avoid reacting violently to unverified claims. She emphasized that citizens should report suspicious incidents to the nearest police station rather than taking the law into their own hands.
“I want to tell the people of Mombasa to remain cautious and avoid harming others because of false information,” she said.
Cherono disclosed that several suspects linked to the incidents had already been arrested in different locations, including Mombasa, Kwale County, and the Likoni Ferry crossing point. She said investigations were ongoing to dismantle the wider network believed to be behind the scheme.
Security agencies have also issued a warning to social media users and content creators who may be spreading the allegations for attention or engagement, cautioning that they risk prosecution for incitement and spreading false information likely to cause public unrest.
Authorities reiterated that no medical evidence has been found to support the viral claims and urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources.
The warning comes amid heightened concern over misinformation circulating online, which security officials say has contributed to fear and isolated cases of mob violence in parts of the Coast region.
