NAIROBI: A disturbing video filmed inside a Nairobi nightclub has ignited a fierce national conversation on consent, digital privacy, and the safety of women in nightlife spaces. The incident, involving a man identified as U.S.-based Kenyan medic James Opande, has drawn widespread condemnation after he allegedly filmed an intoxicated woman without her consent and shared the footage online.

The Incident: James Opande Films Woman Without Her Consent:

The viral video reportedly shows Opande approaching a woman who appears visibly intoxicated and unsteady near a bar counter. Rather than offering assistance or respecting her privacy, the man is seen filming her from behind, exposing her vulnerability and nudity to the camera.

The video, which circulated rapidly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, was met with immediate backlash. Users identified the man as Opande, a medic currently visiting Kenya from the United States. While Opande allegedly claimed his phone was "hacked" and that the video was intended for personal use, the explanation has done little to quell the public outcry.

What was done by James Opande to the young woman was wrong, cruel, and inhumane, says a netizen:

Alleged Detention of James Opande at JKIA

In a dramatic turn of events, reports emerging on social media suggest that Opande attempted to leave the country as the online storm intensified.

James Opande has allegedly been detained by airport security:

According to the latest viral news updates, James Opande has allegedly been detained by airport security while attempting to board a flight back to the USA. Sources indicate he was intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), preventing his departure pending further investigation into the violation of the Cybercrimes Act. Authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the arrest, but online commentators have hailed the alleged detention as a necessary step toward holding those responsible accountable.

The incident has sparked a polarised debate, but the overwhelming sentiment has been one of support for the woman and anger toward the perpetrator. Activists and social media users have pushed back against "victim-blaming" narratives that focus on the woman’s intoxication level.

"Recording someone when they are intoxicated, exposing their nudity, and sharing it online is not ‘content’, it is abuse," read one widely shared statement condemning the act. "It is a violation of dignity, privacy, and basic human decency."

Legal experts have pointed out that under Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, publishing non-consensual intimate imagery is a serious offence punishable by heavy fines or imprisonment.

The "James Opande" trend has evolved beyond a single video into a broader reckoning with how men treat vulnerable women in social spaces. The outcry emphasises that intoxication is not an invitation for exploitation and that a camera should never be used as a weapon to destroy a reputation.

As the story develops, the focus remains on whether the alleged detention will lead to formal charges, sending a message that digital abuse will no longer be tolerated in Kenya.

TruLY Score by LatestLY
Rating:2

TruLY Score 2 – Unverified | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 2 on LatestLY. It relies on a single source or posts by social media users, with no independent verification. The content should be viewed with caution and should not be shared without further validation from credible sources.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2026 12:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).