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Nairobi, Kenya – Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has issued a public apology after unknowingly sharing an AI-generated deepfake video on his official X account. The manipulated video falsely depicted CNN journalist Fareed Zakaria discussing Kenya’s role in peace diplomacy in Sudan.
PS Sing’Oei Addresses the Controversy
In a statement on X, Sing’Oei acknowledged the error and expressed regret over the confusion caused.
“I sincerely apologize for inadvertently posting an AI-generated video disguised as a genuine commentary from Fareed Zakaria of CNN on the search for peace in the Sudan conflict and Kenya’s role in it. I regret any confusion this may have caused and thank everyone who flagged the video as a deepfake,” he stated.
Following widespread criticism on social media, the PS emphasized the need for better awareness of AI-generated content and announced plans to address the issue.
Government to Strengthen AI Oversight
Sing’Oei revealed that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is collaborating with partners and technology firms to explore ways of watermarking AI-generated content. This initiative aims to prevent AI-generated materials from being misrepresented as authentic human-created content.
In addition, he announced the establishment of an AI Diplomacy program at the Foreign Service Academy. The program, developed in partnership with big-tech companies, will equip policymakers with the necessary skills to navigate AI-related challenges.
“As part of these efforts, we are designing the School on AI Diplomacy (SAID) at the Foreign Service Academy, a program I will attend, to better equip policymakers in handling these emerging challenges,” he added.
Backlash Over the Fake Video
The AI-generated video, designed to mimic a CNN broadcast, misrepresented Zakaria’s statements on Kenya’s involvement in Sudan’s peace efforts. Once posted, it quickly drew backlash from Kenyans on X, who accused Sing’Oei of misleading the public by using artificial intelligence to support a government narrative.
The incident has sparked discussions on the ethical use of AI in digital communication, with growing calls for enhanced regulation and awareness regarding deepfake content.
