A viral video showing a lady being stripped naked in the streets of Nairobi by rowdy youths has fuelled debate, both online and offline, and resulted in a digital campaign in support of the right of women to dress how they would like.

Reports suggested that the woman was stripped due to her mode of dressing that was termed indecent. Soon after, yet another video surfaced online showing another lady going through the same humiliation in Mombasa.

The campaign, #MyDressMyChoice has been trending on twitter for days on end and the online campaign to petition national leaders also attracted significant following. The online campaign has culminated in public demonstration slated for Monday 17th. The online petition on Avaaz.org has ganered over 3,000 signatures from supporters across the globe.

Such delicate campaigns have questioned the effect of social media and other online petitions and what it means for today's society.

"The most effective campaigns combine the best of both worlds - use social media to rally support, drive registration, communicate and reach out to as many people as possible - if possible ask people to contribute/ buy merchandise, sign up for protest. There has to be a compelling Call to Action," Muthuri Kinyamu, Nairobi-based blogger and social media strategist told ITWeb Africa.

"Social media and petitions definitely shape people's opinions of something, help correct misconceptions by informing, educating people with the goal of getting them to support or positively identify with or feel proud to be associated with a particular campaign."

With the assault of the lady in Nairobi, it is said that some of the suspects were transport touts, who in most cases do not have access to online debate as seen on twitter.

"For #MyDressMyChoice the campaign message is able to reach key influencers, personalities and key decision makers even in the highest office in the land in a few hours," Kinyamu said.

Kinyamu also recalled great online campaigns that have helped achieve great things for various issues.

"Remember Brand 2D's #SaveTheHeritageKE - they got creatives and designers to do art of popular brand logos without their tusks - then organized a meetup where they art was auctioned. All submissions were available on a website, on social media and widely shared- to spread the message and the creatives gathered for cause and made some [cash] on their artwork."