Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has issued an apology after unknowingly sharing an AI-generated deepfake video on his official X account.
The video falsely depicted CNN journalist Fareed Zakaria discussing Kenya’s role in peace diplomacy in Sudan.
In a statement on X, Sing’Oei admitted the error and addressed the backlash that followed.
“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.
Addressing AI-Generated Misinformation
The incident has raised concerns about the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in media and misinformation. In response, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is working on solutions to counter the risks associated with AI-generated content.
“Our Ministry has been working with partners and tech companies to explore the potential of watermarking AI-generated content to ensure that such material does not pose as human-generated material,” Sing’Oei announced.
Additionally, the PS revealed plans to introduce an AI Diplomacy program at the Foreign Service Academy. The initiative, developed in collaboration with international partners and big-tech companies, aims to equip policymakers with the skills necessary to navigate challenges posed by AI.
“Additionally, we are designing—with the collaboration of partners and big-tech companies—the School on AI Diplomacy (SAID) at the Foreign Services Academy—a program I will attend—to equip policymakers better to navigate these emerging challenges,” he added.
Public Reaction and the Growing Concern Over AI Manipulation
The fake video, which was designed to resemble a CNN broadcast, misrepresented journalist Fareed Zakaria’s views on Kenya’s involvement in Sudan peace efforts.
Once posted, it quickly attracted criticism from Kenyans on X, who accused Sing’Oei of misleading the public by using AI-generated media to promote a government narrative.
The incident highlights the growing risks of deepfake technology in politics and international relations. It also underscores the urgent need for policies and safeguards to prevent the spread of misinformation through AI-generated content.
