Kenya Accuses Social Media Influencers of AI-Powered Disinformation Campaign to Undermine Government
Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government has raised the alarm over what it describes as a sophisticated, coordinated digital attack employing artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes and orchestrated misinformation campaigns. In an official statement released Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs accused a network of social media influencers of spearheading these efforts to undermine the government’s credibility, discourage high-level diplomatic visits, and sabotage Kenya’s bids for international and regional positions. The ministry alleges that these activities, initially sparked by genuine protests from younger generations, have escalated into a calculated assault on the nation’s image and diplomatic standing.
The government claims the disinformation campaign extends beyond mere online dissent, encompassing a range of tactics, including targeted email petitions. One prominent example cited is the barrage of emails sent to the Dutch government urging the cancellation of a planned state visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in March 2025. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed receiving over 300 such emails from Kenyan citizens, raising concerns within the diplomatic community. Online critics of the royal visit have cited alleged human rights violations in Kenya, including accusations of enforced disappearances of government critics and opposition figures from neighboring countries, as justification for their opposition.
The Kenyan government maintains that these online activities are a deliberate attempt to distort the narrative and paint a false picture of the situation within the country. They argue that the campaign is orchestrated by a small group of influencers using sophisticated digital tools, including AI-generated deepfakes, to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion. The aim, according to the government, is not only to discredit the administration but also to disrupt Kenya’s international relations and undermine its aspirations for leadership roles on the regional and global stage.
While the government acknowledges the initial involvement of genuine protests, primarily led by younger generations expressing their concerns, they contend that these legitimate expressions of dissent have been hijacked and amplified by a malicious campaign orchestrated by influencers seeking to destabilize the country. The ministry highlighted the evolving nature of the online attacks, emphasizing the shift from organic protests to a more structured and coordinated effort leveraging digital tools for maximum impact. This escalation, according to the government, represents a significant threat to national security and requires a robust response.
To combat this perceived digital threat, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs announced its intention to introduce a “Technology Responsibility Charter.” This charter aims to promote accountability and ethical practices within the digital space, targeting the spread of misinformation and the misuse of AI-powered tools. The government hopes this initiative will encourage responsible online behavior and curb the proliferation of deepfakes and manipulated content. The details of the charter, including its implementation mechanisms and enforcement provisions, are yet to be unveiled.
However, the government’s statement has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that it represents an attempt to stifle legitimate citizen activism and deflect attention from genuine concerns raised by the public. They argue that labeling dissenting voices as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign is a tactic to silence criticism and suppress freedom of expression. Others, however, view the government’s response as a necessary measure to protect Kenya’s reputation on the international stage and safeguard its diplomatic efforts. The controversy highlights the growing tension between the government’s efforts to maintain order and control the narrative in the digital age and the public’s right to express dissent and hold their leaders accountable. The debate over the legitimacy of the government’s claims and the implications for freedom of expression in Kenya is likely to continue.
