A widespread scandal involving a Russian man known as Yaytseslav, whose real name is Vladislav Lyulkov, has ignited public outrage in Kenya and Ghana after he filmed and published intimate encounters with several African women without their full, informed consent. These videos, recorded discreetly using Meta smart glasses, depict him initiating conversations with women in public spaces before inviting them to his apartment, with the footage later being circulated online, leading to a significant backlash.

Renowned media personality and activist Janet Mbugua issued a powerful critique of the public’s response, highlighting systemic failures and the immediate harm inflicted upon the women involved. In a statement released on Friday, February 20, 2026, Mbugua firmly placed the primary responsibility on Lyulkov for recording and distributing the content. She expressed deep concern over the public's initial instinct to consume and then interrogate the victims, stating, "We opened, shared, and talked about them. Then we blamed the women. What was she doing? Why did she agree? And only after all that… we got angry. But by then, the harm had already traveled." Mbugua challenged a "sick system" that protects power over vulnerable individuals, urging a paradigm shift where justice is not a negotiated outcome but an immediate response to harm. She warned that silence or participation in victim-shaming enables this destructive system, calling for louder and more consistent pressure on protective institutions.

Among the women affected is Choice Kinoti, an up-and-coming content creator, who was seen in one of Lyulkov’s videos performing domestic tasks, including washing his boxer shorts and cleaning dishes at his Airbnb. Kinoti initially stated she was in a romantic relationship with Lyulkov, was aware he filmed their time together as he was a streamer, and did not see any red flags. She defended her actions, explaining that the domestic tasks were reciprocal gestures as he had cooked for her, and he had promised to take her to a visa-free country for her birthday, describing their affair as a genuine relationship. However, she later grew suspicious of Lyulkov’s intentions and confronted him about filming private moments, expressing concern about potential leaks. She clarified that she had always practiced safe sex and had been counselled by her lecturer father before university, having studied at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) after dropping out of Karatina University.

Another woman, Kalekye, who lives in Nairobi, was among the first approached by Lyulkov in March 2025. She detailed an encounter where Lyulkov introduced himself and asked her to meet him at his apartment. Despite initially viewing the interaction as a normal encounter and being open to a relationship for a "brighter future," she ultimately declined to meet him after he sent a suspicious pin drop to a short-stay apartment in Ngara, citing safety concerns and preferring a public meeting spot. She noted that while she did not notice recording devices at the time, Lyulkov was wearing dark glasses, which were later suspected to be Meta smart glasses. Kalekye has since viewed the attention positively and plans to capitalize on her unexpected viral fame by releasing a book she had written.

Public outrage in Kenya and Ghana has intensified, with authorities and individuals reportedly working to track Lyulkov down for the alleged non-consensual recordings and distribution. Despite the mounting backlash and a reported manhunt, Lyulkov appears unfazed. He is reportedly currently in Asia, continuing what he describes as his "exploration." In a new development that further inflamed global condemnation, Lyulkov posted a video with an Asian woman, attaching a caption that controversially described Africa as a "dusty continent." This derogatory remark has triggered widespread criticism online, adding another layer of disrespect to his controversial activities in African countries.