Governor Fernandes Barasa sues over AI-generated witchcraft video

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has initiated legal action against Cleophas Malala, the Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, following the circulation of a viral video. The video, which purportedly depicts a man resembling the Governor participating in a witchcraft ritual with a witch doctor, has been dismissed by the Kakamega County Government as a fabricated, AI-generated deepfake.

The county government stated that an official photograph of Barasa was deliberately attached to manipulated footage to create a false and defamatory narrative regarding his character and beliefs. Officials reported the matter to the Kakamega Central Police Station on September 29, 2026, and are seeking legal recourse against Malala and others involved in the dissemination of the material.

In a statement, the Governor’s office emphasized that the use of digitally manipulated content to misrepresent a public official exceeds the bounds of legitimate political discourse. The administration further noted that Barasa is a committed member of the Roman Catholic Church and urged the public to disregard the false content.