Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has apologised for sharing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated video depicting a CNN journalist supporting the Kenyan government's handling of the war in Sudan.
In a statement on Friday, February 21, the PS expressed regret for sharing the deepfake video and apologised for any confusion the footage may have caused.
"I sincerely apologise 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," the PS noted.
"I regret any confusion this may have caused and thank everyone who flagged the video as a deepfake," Korir added.
According to Korir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working with partners and technology companies to explore the potential of watermarking AI-generated content to ensure such material is not mistaken for human-generated content.
Similarly, he revealed that he will be enrolling in the School of AI Diplomacy at the Foreign Services Academy to acquire skills for navigating emerging challenges.
"Additionally, we are designing, in collaboration with partners and big-tech companies, the School on AI Diplomacy (SAID) at the Foreign Services Academy, a programme I will attend. My apologies once again, and I sincerely appreciate everyone’s vigilance, correction, and candour," Korir said.
The PS was forced to address the matter after the controversial video attracted the attention of many Kenyans online who criticised Korir for sharing the deepfake.
The video shared by Sing’Oei on Thursday afternoon depicted CNN Journalist Fareed Zakaria commending the Kenyan government for stepping up in the ongoing Sudan conflict.
Sing’Oei captioned the video, “For the fake analysts who doubt the good faith of Kenya’s peace diplomacy, here is a cogent assessment of CNN’s Foreign Policy expert Fareed Zacharia.”
In the controversial video, the PS attempted to present the footage as a legitimate defence of President Ruto's efforts to quell the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
PS Korir's comments on the Sudan war come amidst harsh criticism against President Ruto's administration for hosting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group that seeks to overturn the Sudan government's authority, in Kenya.
