Passaris Demands DCI Arrests Over TikTok Videos of Girls Being Harassed

A social media dispute between Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and popular podcaster Andrew Kibe has ignited a public conversation about digital violence, bystander responsibility, and the alleged “demonization” of young men, following the circulation of disturbing videos on TikTok.

ALSO READ: Audit Reveals Trillions of Shillings Bypassed Kenya’s Official Treasury Fund

The exchange began on Wednesday when Passaris reposted videos that appeared to show groups of young men in Kenya surrounding, touching, and harassing women without their consent under the guise of creating online content. In her posts, she tied the incidents to the ongoing UN-led 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which this year focuses on combating digital harms.

“I have come across several videos of young men sexually harassing girls in the name of content. It is shocking that such acts are being viewed as entertainment,” Passaris wrote. She described the acts as a “diabolic abomination” and highlighted the trauma experienced by the victims, criticizing the bystanders who filmed the incidents instead of intervening.

“I am calling on the @DCI_Kenya to apprehend these boys immediately,” she stated, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to make arrests. “Let this serve as a warning to anyone who assaults another person, especially under the guise of content creation. Enough is enough!”

However, her calls were met with immediate pushback from podcaster Andrew Kibe, who accused her of pushing a “dangerous and misguided” narrative.

“Stop pushing this stupid narrative about young men. It is dangerous and misguided,” Kibe responded in an X post. “I do not condone assault on men or women but let’s deal with each case individually. This blanket demonization of the young men in Africa is evil.”

Kibe further alleged that Passaris was being paid to promote a “‘The Great GBV AGENDA’,” a claim he did not substantiate with evidence.

In the ensuing online debate, Passaris stood her ground, asserting that sexual assault is a clear crime that demands accountability and that societal inaction, including from bystanders, worsens the trauma for victims.

No arrests have been reported in connection with the viral videos. The heated exchange underscores growing concerns in Kenya about both street safety for women and the role of online platforms in amplifying harmful content. It also highlights the polarized nature of public discourse surrounding gender-based violence, pitting calls for urgent action against accusations of generalized blame.