Kenyan Foreign Affairs PS Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated CNN Deepfake
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Korir Sing’Oei is under heavy criticism for sharing an AI-generated deepfake video on his official X account. The footage, falsely designed to resemble a CNN broadcast, featured journalist Fareed Zakaria discussing Kenya’s involvement in Sudan peace talks.
Sing’Oei posted the video with the caption: “For the fake analysts who doubt Kenya’s peace diplomacy, here is a cogent assessment by CNN’s Foreign Policy expert, Fareed Zakaria.” His post suggested that the video was genuine, using Zakaria’s image to support Kenya’s diplomatic efforts.
However, Kenyans on X quickly exposed the video as fake, slamming Sing’Oei for spreading misleading content. Many questioned why a high-ranking government official would share AI-generated propaganda.
X user Mohamed Onyango expressed frustration: “I had to check if this was a parody account. It’s embarrassing that the Foreign Affairs PS is sharing a deepfake. This is what happens when diplomatic roles are given based on tribal loyalty instead of expertise. Kenya’s foreign policy deserves better.”
Antony Alexandria Irungu added: “Wow! Calling analysts ‘fake’ while using an AI deepfake is a new low. @CNN and @FareedZakaria, you need to see this.”
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Other users warned that the misleading video could damage Kenya’s international credibility. Arap Muk questioned: “Did @ForeignOfficeKE think posting an AI-generated video of a renowned journalist would go unnoticed? Did you consider the embarrassment if @LarryMadowo reports on this?”
Investigative journalist John Allan Namu sarcastically noted: “These jokes write themselves.”
A forensic review by Citizen Digital confirmed the video was fake. The analysis revealed poor video quality, mismatched lip movements, and an unprofessional lower-third graphic. Additionally, neither CNN nor Zakaria shared the video on their platforms, proving its inauthenticity.
Following intense backlash and widespread ridicule, Sing’Oei deleted the post. However, with over 60,000 views, the damage had already been done.
This incident adds to Kenya’s growing diplomatic missteps, including the M23 rebel crisis in Congo, Raila Odinga’s failed AUC bid, and the controversial Rapid Support Forces meeting at KICC. These events have significantly weakened Kenya’s standing in global diplomacy.
Kenyan Foreign Affairs PS Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated CNN Deepfake
