KAKAMEGA, Kenya — Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has initiated legal action over a viral social media video that allegedly depicts him in a ritual setting, with the county government describing the footage as manipulated and AI-generated.
The video circulating online purportedly shows an unidentified man undressing in what is presented as a ritual involving a person described as a traditional healer.
The Kakamega County Government has rejected the video’s portrayal, saying an official photograph of Governor Barasa was digitally attached to manipulated footage to create a false impression about him.
Matter Reported To Police
In a statement issued on September 29, 2026, the county government said it had initiated legal action against Democracy for the Citizens Party Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and other people it alleges were involved in publishing and distributing the material.
The complaint was reported at Kakamega Central Police Station, according to the county government.
The county described the publication as malicious and defamatory and said it was intended to damage the governor’s reputation.
It also raised concerns over the use of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation to create content purporting to depict a public official in circumstances that the county says are fabricated.
County Cites Constitutional Rights
The county government cited Articles 33(3) and 28 of the Constitution, which require individuals exercising freedom of expression to respect the rights and reputation of others and protect the right to dignity.
It urged members of the public not to circulate the video while the matter is being handled by the relevant authorities.
The county also defended Barasa’s personal faith and public record in response to the allegations.
The authenticity and provenance of the circulating footage have not been independently established in the available reports.
Long-Running Political Rivalry
The latest dispute adds to the longstanding political rivalry between Barasa and Malala in Kakamega.
The two were rivals in the 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial election, which Barasa won.
Malala has also previously been involved in public disputes concerning the governor, including allegations surrounding an earlier controversy over purported ritual footage. Those earlier claims were allegations and were not independently established as fact.
The latest complaint is now before the relevant authorities for investigation.
