Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has accused the government of deploying artificial intelligence (AI) as a propaganda tool to discredit the opposition.
Speaking at Donholm Primary School in Nairobi on Wamalwa claimed that AI was being used to fabricate images and documents, including one suggesting that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was in Mombasa preparing to join the government.
Opposition’s Stance
Despite these claims, Wamalwa reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to resisting government policies and vowed to push for President William Ruto’s removal in the 2027 general elections.
AI’s Growing Role in Politics
AI’s impact on Kenyan politics has sparked widespread debate. Both government allies and opposition members have admitted to the increasing use of AI in shaping narratives.
Just last week, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei was forced to apologize after sharing an AI-generated video falsely depicting CNN journalist Fareed Zakaria praising Kenya’s role in the Sudan conflict.
Following this incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated discussions with technology firms to explore watermarking AI-generated content to prevent misinformation.
AI and Censorship Concerns
The controversy surrounding AI in Kenya extends beyond political propaganda. Last year, several X (formerly Twitter) users were allegedly abducted for sharing AI-generated images critical of the President.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in shaping political discourse raises questions about misinformation, digital ethics, and the balance between free expression and propaganda control.