The painful reality is that sharing intimate photos or videos can have far-reaching emotional consequences beyond initial intentions. The breakup between Mulamwah and Ruth K highlights how quickly private trust can turn into public drama.
During their online clash, Mulamwah threatened to expose an intimate video of Ruth K to her family and claimed she had shared intimate images of him in a WhatsApp group.
These accusations, whether fully realised or not, highlight a harsh truth: intimacy shared in confidence can swiftly become a weapon on social media.
If you have ever shared intimate photos or videos and now fear they might be leaked, learn how to take back control and protect yourself.
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Recognise the Pain—but Don’t Freeze
The moment those photos leave your device, a new kind of fear can take hold: the dread of shame, regret, or betrayal.
That fear may feel overwhelming, but it can also prompt action. Feel your emotions, yes, but don’t let them paralyse you. Acknowledging how you feel is the first step toward taking back your power.
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Understand Your Legal Rights in Kenya
Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018 (Section 37), makes it illegal to share intimate images or videos without the consent of the person featured.
The law clearly states that anyone who shares, publishes, or distributes an intimate or obscene image of another person, whether by uploading it online, sending it through a messaging app, or sharing it in any digital form, commits an offence. If found guilty, the person may face a fine of up to Sh200,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
That legal protection gives you a foundation on which to stand should you choose to act.
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Start Building Evidence Immediately
If there’s even a hint that someone might share your content without permission, begin saving everything that could serve as proof.
- Take screenshots of threats or discussions about sharing.
- Preserve messages, group chats, or deleted files that indicate intent.
- Save any cancelled posts or retractions; it shows they initially planned a leak.
These records make a critical difference when you report the situation to authorities or seek legal action. Without them, the process becomes more difficult. With them.
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Go to the Authorities
With evidence in hand, proceed to report the threat, either in person at your nearest police station or via Kenya’s online cybercrime platform.
Demand to speak with officers trained in cyber abuse or digital evidence. Your documentation becomes the basis for filing a report under Section 37 and possibly other laws applying to cyber harassment or emotional manipulation.
Prompt filing ensures your case is documented early and begins legal protection mechanisms.
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Talk to a Trusted Confidant
Facing this alone can feel isolating, but sharing the burden may offer relief. Speak with someone you trust—whether a friend, counsellor, or mentor—about your situation.
Not only does it ease emotional strain, but it also ensures someone knows your situation firsthand, which can be helpful if things escalate and you need support.
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Secure Your Online Spaces
While legal proceedings move forward, take control of your online presence:
- Change your passwords and enable two-step verification.
- Set private profiles and remove unknown contacts.
- Remove yourself from group chats or platforms where intimate content might be discussed or posted.
- Ask friends to report suspicious posts or content that appears.
These actions help slow or block the potential distribution of your images, and they allow you to feel some control in a confusing digital storm.
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Tend to Your Emotional Health
Intimate betrayal cuts deep. Even after taking legal steps, feelings of shame, anger, or fear may linger.
Reach out for emotional support: a therapist, counsellor, or peer support group can guide you toward healing.
Sometimes, stepping away from social media or creating safe routines helps rebuild trust in yourself and your relationships.
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Set Boundaries, Now and Always
Prevention truly starts before intimacy moves online:
- Use encrypted platforms like Signal.
- Set clear boundaries with partners around privacy and consent.
- Pause before sending anything. Imagine if it went viral—how would that feel?
Privacy isn’t shameful—it’s essential. Your body and intimate moments are yours to protect and cherish.
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Share Your Story If You Choose
If you feel strong enough, sharing your experience can shift what remains in the dark. Your voice might help others understand the true consequences of digital intimacy gone wrong and inspire change.
What happened to you is not your fault. Sharing intimate content was an act of trust, not an invitation to abuse. As you stand by your dignity and enforce healthy boundaries, you help reshape digital intimacy: not as something to fear, but as something to express with clarity, intention, and self-respect.
