The Kenyan government is currently grappling with a complex diplomatic issue concerning a Russian man, identified as Yayteslav Trahov, who is accused of sexually exploiting several women during his visit to Kenya and subsequently sharing secretly recorded videos of them. These videos, released on the eve of Valentine’s Day, quickly went viral, igniting widespread debate over alleged moral decay and, more significantly, the blatant exploitation of Kenyans by foreign visitors. Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo confirmed on Monday that this "disturbing" matter is under urgent investigation, with relevant security, investigative, and prosecutorial agencies coordinating a "whole-of-government response." This response includes collaboration with international authorities due to the cross-border nature of the case.

One of the Kenyan women featured in the viral videos, identified as Choice, a content creator herself, has come forward to share her side of the story in an interview. Choice clarified that while she consented to being on camera for "content," the boundaries of that consent were severely breached. She initially viewed the filming as a professional endeavor, understanding her partner made a living through digital media, and therefore, the constant presence of cameras during daily activities like cooking, washing dishes, and eating breakfast did not initially seem unusual. However, she firmly denied engaging in any unprotected intimacy, emphasizing that she was not "stupid enough" to take such risks with a stranger. According to Choice, their relationship lasted approximately 60 days, beginning in August 2023. They reportedly met at Nairobi Airport, and he convinced her to alter her travel plans to Mombasa to join him and his team. During their two-month period together, they moved between various apartments in Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani, and Nyali. Choice eventually experienced growing discomfort due to the man's obsession with recording every interaction, specifically citing his constant use of Ray-Ban Meta glasses and his phone, which created significant friction and led to the end of their relationship.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura strongly condemned the Russian's actions and cautioned Kenyan women and girls against engaging in transactional relationships with tourists. He highlighted the inherent risks, including potential human trafficking, and urged self-respect among Africans, warning against automatically associating white skin with wealth. Mwaura also expressed concern over what he perceived as a decay of morals, evidenced by online interactions, stating that the incident had "embarrassed the African people." It is suspected that Yayteslav lured women from public places like malls, churches, or roadsides, communicating in basic English or via translator apps, and then arranged meet-ups at his residence, using smart glasses with cameras and microphones for secret recordings.

Despite these violations of victims' constitutional rights to human dignity and privacy, fears have emerged that the perpetrator may evade justice due to protections under the Russian constitution, which prohibits the extradition of its citizens. Consequently, Kenya and Ghana (where other victims are reported) may need to relay investigative evidence to Russian authorities to initiate court proceedings in Russia. Ghana has reportedly considered charging him in absentia if extradition proves impossible. The suspect's current whereabouts remain unknown.

This scandal underscores a broader pattern of exploitation faced by vulnerable Kenyans, both domestically and abroad, often by seemingly wealthier and more powerful foreigners who promise a better life or escape from poverty. A significant concern is the increased recruitment of young African men, including Kenyans, as mercenaries for the Russian army fighting in Ukraine. Recruitment agencies have allegedly offered substantial signing bonuses, hefty salaries, and guaranteed Russian citizenship, though ex-fighters claim these benefits are often exaggerated or false. Many recruits, desperate for cash, have signed up, leaving families for promised expat jobs like engineers or security guards, only to find themselves deployed on frontlines without military training, as tragically exemplified by the deaths of Denis Bagaka, Simon Gititu, and Clinton Nyapara in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Kenya's embassy in Moscow issued a warning in February against taking jobs in Russia through unverified agents, citing difficulties in providing consular assistance in cases of employment disputes.

Beyond military recruitment, other forms of exploitation include pay disparities for Kenyans working in contractual jobs with big tech companies and the grooming of children, known as 'beach boys,' by older foreigners at the Kenyan coast. Furthermore, Kenyans have become targets for staffing Chinese-run scam centers in Myanmar, where many have suffered torture and human rights abuses, with the government facilitating the return of 178 victims last year. These incidents highlight a pressing need for vigilance and protection against various forms of exploitation.