The County Government of Kakamega has issued a statement after a viral publication allegedly linking Governor Fernandes Barasa to a witch doctor.
In a statement on September 30, 2026, Sumba Juma, the County’s Director of Public Communications and Governor’s Press Unit, said the circulating social media post includes an official photograph of Governor Barasa attached to a manipulated, AI-generated video.
According to the county, the video depicts Barasa in an objectionable and fabricated circumstance with an individual alleged to be a witch doctor.
“We have noted with grave concern the circulation of a malicious and defamatory publication through social media platforms…, purporting to associate H.E. Dr. FCPA Fernandes Barasa, OGV, with an entirely imaginary setting,” the County statement read in part.
The county described the publication as an attempt to create a false impression about the Governor’s character, beliefs, and conduct and cause reputational harm.
“This is a calculated attempt to manufacture a false narrative about the Governor’s character, beliefs and conduct, with the clear intention of misleading the public and injuring his reputation.”
Public Divided Over Video and County’s Response
Public reactions to the county statement were mixed, with commenters differing over whether the circulating material was AI-generated and questioning the county’s response.
Eaganpeter Eshitera questioned the use of the county’s official platform to respond to the controversy, arguing that the Governor should defend himself through his personal platform.
Jason Kabuye disputed the county’s characterization of the material as AI-generated, saying he believed the clip was not AI-generated and alleging that Barasa had been at a traditional healer’s premises. His comments were allegations and were not independently established.
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“You are addressing a very informed generation; we are creators of AI. This particular clip is not AI. Whatever you do in darkness will come to light. Barasa was at a traditional healer’s place, full stop,” he said.
Caleb Andati took the opposite position, saying the material was AI-generated and criticizing the Governor’s response to the controversy.
Godwin Ivan Okuku Makotsi focused on the county’s reference to Barasa’s Christian faith, asking whether religious identity should be used to address the allegations.
“First, you have made a mistake by bringing in the Christian aspect. Christians do weird things while hiding behind religion. Ninety percent of witch doctors and traditional healers stand at the pulpit preaching.”
Legal Action Initiated After Governor Barasa Viral Video
Juma noted that legal action against individuals involved in publishing and disseminating the material was initiated at Kakamega Central Police Station on September 29, 2026.
The county said it had placed the matter before the relevant authorities for appropriate action.
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It also urged members of the public to ignore the publication and stop circulating the material.
Further, the county said the people of Kakamega know Barasa as a devoted Christian and committed member of the Roman Catholic Church, adding that his public service is anchored in faith, integrity and commitment to residents.
According to the County’s Director of Public Communications, the Governor would remain focused on delivering the County’s Six-Point Development Agenda covering health, water and sanitation, wealth creation and infrastructure development, food security, quality education, social development and good governance.
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