Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has criticized Kenyans who are using AI-generated images to depict former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a pope.
In a statement dated Monday, April 21, Barasa urged Kenyans to utilize social media for constructive purposes rather than sharing images that he considers disrespectful to the former Prime Minister.
“I humbly urge all Kenyans, especially the disciples of Wamunyoro, to use these platforms as tools for unity and nation-building, rather than for division and propaganda. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is a prominent and respected leader in our country who deserves to be treated with dignity,” stated the Kimilili legislator.
Barasa further argued that circulating edited images of Odinga in papal attire is disrespectful—not only to him but also to the Catholic Church and the entire Christian community.
Didmus Warns Kenyans Against Generating AI images Depicting Odinga as Pope
His statement comes in response to several AI images of Raila Odinga wearing a pope’s outfit that have been circulating on social media following the announcement of Pope Francis’s passing.
Some social media users who are sharing these AI images appear to be jokingly suggesting that Raila Odinga should succeed Pope Francis at the Vatican, using the hashtag #Raila4Pope.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Pays Glowing Tribute to His Late Bodyguard George Oduor
This discussion follows his unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022, and the recently concluded African Union Commission elections held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 14, 2025.
Kenyans React to AI Images of Raila
Social media strategist and blogger Cyprian Nyakundi expressed support for Raila Odinga’s hypothetical candidacy, stating, “Now is the time. I fully support Raila Odinga for the position of Pope.”
Another user, Polo Kimani, humorously noted, “Upon the death of Pope Francis, the Republic of Kenya is endorsing Raila Odinga to run for pope papacy in the Vatican.”
Also Read: Profiles of 9 Leading Contenders to Succeed Pope Francis
User Kibet Bull added, “Pope Francis has rested, and we endorse Raila Odinga for Pope.” Edgar Wabwire also chimed in, saying, “Kenyans are in full support of Raila Odinga taking over from the late Pope Francis. I ENDORSE BABA FOR THE VATICAN!”
Additionally, another user, Dan Chepta, posted an AI image of Raila Odinga in papal attire and invited others to suggest a papal name for him, leading to various humorous responses from users.
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