This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, a disturbing trend emerged in the Kenyan entertainment industry, where celebrities' intimate photos and videos were being leaked online.
One of the latest victims of this inhumane act is Ella Ciiru, a curvaceous damsel who has been body-shamed after her intimate photos were shared by a man she trusted.
Ella took to social media to thank her fans for their support and to urge them to deny the extortionist their power.
She shared a powerful message, stating, 'Some people on social media streets feed on misery. So let me own this and take their power away. Intimate pictures and videos of me are being shared on social media. They were never meant for public distribution. Strictly for a person I chose to trust. A simple story of Girl meets Boy. I fell for him and gave all of me. He ransomed my dignity at 20,000 Shillings and released our intimate communication, knowing that it shall be shared, go viral and become clickbait.'
She further urged her fans to deny the extortionist their power, saying, 'My friends, sending my vulnerable images to others only breathes further life into my personal nightmare. I ask you to deny this extortionist their power. My parents may not be with us, but I’m still someone’s daughter.'
Other Kenyan celebrities who have faced online leaks include Wema Sepetu, who was exposed in an intimate video three years ago, and DJ Creme de La Creme, who was seen in a five-minute-long video with a young woman.
Avril was also a victim of online leaks, with photos of her making out with another woman emerging on social media. She denied the rumors, stating, 'They say you haven’t made it until someone calls you the L word. I have never been experimental with my sexuality. I’m a straight chic, I’m a straight shooter.'
