The victims would end up sending money or sharing their bank details. While having sex, the blackmailers would storm in, overpower them, assault the victim and demand money. Typically, victims would meet someone on one of the apps, then agree to meet at their home. It was in early 2006 when victims reported the first cases of blackmail in Nairobi. Blackmailers beat victims and forced them to pose for naked photos It was a welcome change – so welcome, that Tinder, Badoo and others were developed to cater for straight people. Gone are the days when gay men would scout bars or street corners or bushes to engage in romance and sex. Then they could meet and have sex, avoiding dangerous cruising.

Now, they argued, gay and bi men could seek partners and relationships from the comfort of their phones. Initially, many people heralded gay dating apps – such as Grindr, Hornet and Manjam – as a success story. And, in some cases, they have been through sexual assault and rape. We are hearing cases of victims who have suffered kidnap, beatings and extortion. And it’s time we woke up to this very real danger. In fact, these popular apps now represent the riskiest way you can meet someone. Blackmailers and the police are conspiring to target gay and bi men in Nairobi using Grindr and other dating apps.