Mombasa Security Team Warns Mob Attackers Over False Genital Disappearance Claims

Mombasa security officials have warned residents against attacking people accused of causing the disappearance of male genitalia, saying the bizarre claims are false and are being used by criminals to create chaos, rob traders, and loot businesses.

The warning comes after several people were injured in mob attacks at Kongowea and Marikiti markets within the last 48 hours following allegations that their private parts had vanished after being touched by strangers.

Speaking outside the Uhuru na Kazi Building in Mombasa on Tuesday, Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor said investigators had found no evidence that anyone had lost their genitals and dismissed the reports as a dangerous hoax.

“We have been able to arrest one person who was doing that. He said that he had lost his genitals, but he was investigated, and it turned out he had not lost anything,” said Noor.

“No one has the ability to remove it. We went to all hospitals and health centres; no one has lost anything. It is gossip that is being misused, especially on TikTok.”

Authorities believe organized conmen are behind the rumors, exploiting public fear to trigger confusion and distract traders while thefts take place.

The county commissioner said the false claims first emerged in neighboring Kwale County before spreading to Mombasa.

Security Officials Link Mombasa Genital Disappearance Claims to Theft

Noor said security officers had obtained videos showing mobs assaulting innocent people at markets and warned that everyone involved would face criminal charges.

“In all these, they intend to create chaos to be able to rob traders and the shops,” he said.

“We have been able to get the videos, and we will apprehend those who did the assaults. They assaulted and injured an innocent person.”

He added that investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were reviewing footage to identify attackers.

“If you assaulted a person at the market without a reason because you saw others being assaulted, you too will be charged because you don’t have the right to take the law into your own hands. All that is nonsense. They are cons intending to steal,” Noor explained.

The county commissioner warned that anyone making claims that their genitals had disappeared would be arrested, taken to hospital for medical examination, and prosecuted for spreading false information.

He also cautioned social media users and content creators against producing sensational videos aimed at attracting online attention.

“Anyone who uses that for content, we will arrest. We don’t want those stories,” he said.

Police Confirm Arrests in Mombasa and Kwale

Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono urged residents not to believe the rumours and advised them to report suspected incidents to police instead of attacking people.

Cherono said three suspects had already been arrested in connection with recent incidents, while detectives were pursuing others linked to the violence.

Meanwhile, Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Kyalo Mutungi confirmed the arrest of Ali Hamisi Bashir at the Likoni Ferry area after he accused Juma Saidi Mwachipanga of stealing his private parts.

Mwachipanga was assaulted by members of the public before police officers rescued him.

Bashir is being held at Likoni Police Station pending processing and arraignment in court. Police said he is expected to face charges related to incitement and assault.

Security officials further disclosed that 12 other suspects had been arrested in Diani, Kwale County, and Mtopanga in Mombasa over the spreading of the viral rumour.

Residents have been urged to remain calm, verify information before sharing it online, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.