Digital content creator Sheryl Cherono, popularly known online as Sheryl Gabriela, has issued a public apology following the circulation of an intimate video on social media.
This is after the Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) demanded that she and fellow creator Robert Mbaya, widely known as Baha, apologise over content it described as inappropriate.
In a public statement, Cherono apologised to her fans, business partners, colleagues and the public, saying she understood the concern caused by the incident.
“I sincerely apologise to anyone who has been affected or disappointed by the circulation of this content,” she said.
However, she denied uploading or distributing the video, saying it had been shared without her knowledge or consent.
“The content was shared without my knowledge or consent, and I have been deeply affected by this violation of my privacy,” she said.
Cherono said the matter was under investigation by the relevant authorities and that she was cooperating fully with the process.
She added that she would not comment further while investigations were ongoing and thanked her family, friends, fans and professional partners for their support.
Her statement follows an ultimatum issued by DCCAK, which gave Cherono and Mbaya seven days to issue public apologies through their digital platforms.
The association’s chairman, Bob Ndolo, said the content circulating online was inconsistent with efforts to promote a safe, professional and ethical digital environment in Kenya.
He said responsible online behaviour was essential to maintaining the confidence of advertisers and encouraging investment in Kenya’s digital content industry.
“Content that is obscene, pornographic or promotes hate-driven narratives undermines the credibility of Kenya’s digital content industry and discourages many corporate brands from investing in digital advertising,” Ndolo said.
DCCAK warned that failure to comply with its directive could result in the matter being referred to regulatory bodies, including the Communications Authority of Kenya, for possible action.
The association also said it could engage social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube, over the removal of content and possible account restrictions where violations of laws or platform policies are established.
Ndolo said the warning was intended as a reminder to digital creators to use online platforms responsibly, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election period.
DCCAK added that it was monitoring other creators, including Kanini, over concerns that some online content may breach acceptable standards.
“Social media platforms are not places for pornography or hate-driven narratives,” Ndolo said.
The association urged digital creators to uphold professionalism, responsibility and respect for the law.
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