Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei was forced to pull down a viral artificial intelligence (AI)-generated CNN analysis video supporting Kenya’s involvement with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Dr. Korir Sing’oei shared the video, which has since faced backlash, with the caption: “For the fake analysts who doubt the good faith of Kenya’s peace diplomacy, here is a cogent assessment by CNN’s Foreign Policy expert, Fareed Zakaria.”
The video, which was purportedly from CNN Fareed Zakaria’s analysis, claimed that for decades, Kenya has been a stabilizing force in East Africa—brokering peace, managing crises, and preventing the region from descending into chaos.
The video went on to question why Kenya would sit on the sidelines if world superpowers were not taking the lead while the region burns.
The Video Shared by Korir Sing’oei Was Fake
However, a reverse search conducted by The Kenya Times, using tools like InVID for verification, has revealed that the video is not what it seems.
It was generated using AI and is, in fact, a deepfake.
A deepfake refers to media—typically video or audio—that has been manipulated with AI technology to create convincing but false representations of individuals saying or doing things they never actually did.
Further research led us to the original video, which featured Fareed Zakaria’s analysis on Trump’s White House, titled “Trump’s White House is Like a Royal Court.”
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One of the red flags in the AI-generated video was that it replicated Fareed’s mannerisms, such as raising his hands to highlight quotes, which were identical to his actions in the original analysis.
Fareed Zakaria appears in the same shirt, suit, pocket square, and tie in both the original video and the fake one, adding to the illusion of authenticity.
However, this similarity in appearance does not negate the numerous other red flags, such as the inconsistencies in branding and content, that suggest the video was AI-generated rather than a legitimate CNN analysis.
The fonts, lower thirds, and logo alignment in the video were also inconsistent with CNN’s editorial policy, further raising suspicions about its authenticity.
What the Fake Video Purported
The manipulated video also questioned why Kenya would sit on the sidelines if world powers are not taking the lead while the region burns. “In East Africa, Kenya is the only player able to bring both sides to the table, and Nairobi has been the centre of brokering talks,” the fake video stated.
The video then continued, claiming that when Kenya addresses Sudan’s actions, it’s not reckless, but a strategic move driven by its own interests.
“This is not analysis, it is selective outrage,” the video argued. “Kenya is not just acting out of goodwill; it is acting in its own strategic interest. Sudan’s war is destabilizing trade routes, fueling arms smuggling, and driving refugees into neighbouring states. If Kenya doesn’t take the lead, who will?”
The real question, according to the manipulated video, is not why Kenya is taking action, but rather, why no one else is.
Kenyans have since called out PS Korir Sing’oei for sharing manipulated content, criticizing the decision given his high position in government.
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Kenyans Call Out PS
The video, which sparked significant backlash, has since been pulled down. Many have questioned the credibility of such a senior government official sharing misleading content, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with the role he holds.
“I had to double-check to make sure this wasn’t a parody account. It’s both disturbing and embarrassing to see the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs sharing a deepfake on X,” said X user Muhmamud Onyango.
“This is what happens when key diplomatic positions are handed out based on tribal loyalty rather than merit and expertise. A nation’s foreign policy deserves better than reckless misinformation from those entrusted with representing it on the global stage,” he added.
Another user, Mwangi Mains, opined, “Kenya’s top foreign policy official dismissing critics as ‘fake analysts’ while pushing AI-generated Fareed Zakaria clips. Bad diplomacy. Credibility isn’t built on deepfakes and deflections. I’m genuinely baffled.”
Meanwhile, Arap Muk also questioned, “Is it conceivable that a whole PS could knowingly post an AI-generated video of an internationally renowned journalist? Did you not consider the international embarrassment that will hit Kenya once Larry Madowo picks up on this story?”
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