Nairobi’s vibrant social media scene exploded this week as popular club host Ciggie Johnston and socialite Vera Sidika inadvertently united Kenyans on Telegram after an explicit content leak.
The duo, known for their flamboyant lifestyles, became the centre of a viral storm when intimate videos and photos surfaced on various Telegram channels, sparking heated discussions across the country.
The leak, which began circulating on Wednesday, has drawn thousands to adult-themed Telegram groups, with fans and critics alike dissecting the content. The explicit material, allegedly shared by an anonymous source, features Johnston and Sidika in compromising situations.
While some Telegram users praised the duo’s boldness, others trolled Johnston, with comments like “Kumbe hananga inches” (Swahili for “He doesn’t have inches”) flooding group chats. Watch the video here.
The phrase, mocking Johnston’s perceived lack of physical endowment, has become a trending meme, amplifying the controversy. Telegram channels like Nairobi Uncensored and Vitu Kali, known for sharing adult content, saw a surge in memberships, with Nairobi Uncensored reporting over 115,000 active users by September 19.
These platforms, which thrive on local exposés and leaked videos, have become hubs for Kenyans to share unfiltered opinions. “This is just entertainment for us,” said one user, who is a fan on the platforms.
“But it’s sad how quickly private moments spread online.” The leak has sparked broader conversations about privacy and the ethics of sharing explicit content.
Meanwhile, the controversy has not dented Johnston and Sidika’s public personas. Both continue to dominate Kenya’s nightlife and social media spaces, with Sidika recently making headlines for a selfie incident with police officers in Turkana.
As the Telegram frenzy grows, the incident shows the challenges of maintaining privacy in the digital age, especially for public figures. Kenyans remain divided, with some calling for stricter regulations on adult content platforms, while others revel in the drama.