
In a stern address delivered on Friday in Uasin Gishu, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a warning to Kenyans engaging in social media trolling of political leaders and government criticism.
Speaking alongside President William Ruto, Murkomen highlighted the growing trend of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create provocative images that have fueled online dissent against the government.
Murkomen specifically referenced a recent viral image depicting President Ruto in a coffin, emphasizing that such AI-generated content poses a significant threat to national security and public safety. He expressed concern about the potential for these actions to incite violence, particularly among the youth.
President Ruto echoed Murkomen’s sentiments, calling for a more responsible approach to online behavior. He cautioned that the current culture of online abuse could foster a generation devoid of moral integrity, potentially leading to acts of violence.
“Those using the internet to engage in abusive behavior and harmful activities need to be held accountable. I urge parents and the community to guide our youth away from such destructive paths,” Ruto stated. He warned that if this trend continues, it could escalate from targeting politicians to involving religious leaders and even family members, ultimately breeding a society where criminal behavior becomes normalized.
The President concluded by urging all leaders to discourage young people from engaging in harmful online activities, asserting that the consequences could endanger both individuals and the community at large.