Three suspects have been placed in custody in Ruai as detectives investigate a string of alleged sexual assaults and robberies involving women who were reportedly drawn into meetings through TikTok.
The arrests were made on Wednesday in the Benedicta area after investigators followed intelligence and a forensic trail that they believe could connect the suspects to incidents reported in Buruburu, Embakasi and Ruai.
According to detectives handling the cases, the suspects allegedly relied on an anonymous TikTok account to engage women online before arranging to meet them in person.
Some of the women reportedly agreed to the meetings after interacting with the individuals through the social media platform. Investigators said the women were then allegedly taken away from public places to secluded or abandoned locations.
It was at these places, detectives allege, that the encounters turned violent, with the victims reportedly subjected to sexual assault before being robbed of their valuables.
Investigators said some of those targeted lost cash, mobile phones and other personal belongings during the incidents. In other cases, the women were allegedly compelled to send money through M-Pesa to accounts believed to be connected to the suspects.
Detectives recovered six mobile phones and two hooded jackets during the operation, items they said could assist in establishing what happened and whether the suspects were involved in other reported cases.
Five complainants have so far identified the suspects in separate cases, according to the investigators. The identification exercise, alongside other material gathered by detectives, is expected to help establish the suspects' alleged roles in the incidents.
The police are also examining the possibility that the suspects could be connected to additional cases that have not yet been conclusively linked to them.
As the probe continues, detectives have called on anyone with information that could assist in the investigations to report through the appropriate channels.
The cases have also raised fresh concern over the risks that can arise when people move from social media conversations to physical meetings without knowing who they are dealing with.
Detectives have urged members of the public, particularly young people, to remain careful when making plans to meet people first encountered online.
Those meeting social media contacts for the first time have been advised to use busy and secure public places and ensure that a trusted person knows where they are going. They have also been cautioned against accepting invitations to isolated, unfamiliar or abandoned locations.
The three suspects remain in custody while detectives pursue further leads and examine evidence gathered during the operation.
The suspects have not been convicted of any offence. The allegations against them are still being investigated and will be determined through the appropriate court process if charges are brought.