Alfred Mutua responds to a circulating photo showing him kneeling next to Ruto
By William Muthama, January 20, 2026Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, has warned the public about an image showing him kneeling next to President William Ruto that has gone viral online.
In a notice posted on X on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Mutua said the image is AI-generated and digitally manipulated, and does not depict a real event.
He described it as misleading and intended to spread misinformation and create misunderstanding.
He urged Kenyans to verify information from credible sources before sharing content online, warning that unverified material could misinform the public and cause unnecessary confusion.
“I wish to alert the public that a manipulated, AI-generated image is currently circulating online, falsely portraying me in a compromising and misleading situation,” he said. “The image is not real and has been digitally altered to spread misinformation and create misunderstanding.”
Mutua emphasised that social media is a powerful communication tool but can also be misused to distort facts about public figures. He called on citizens to act responsibly and think critically before sharing any content.
He also called on Kenyans to take responsibility for what they share online. “I urge all Kenyans to verify information from credible sources and to avoid sharing unverified or sensational content,” he said. “Let us work together to stop the spread of digital misinformation.”
AI menace rising
The warning comes at a time when AI-generated images in Kenya have become a growing concern online, with manipulated content targeting public figures going viral.
One of the most disturbing examples recently was an image showing President William Ruto in a coffin, which circulated widely across social media platforms.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said such content is not only misleading but also poses a serious threat to public safety and the moral fabric of society.
He noted that the use of AI to create images that mock, threaten, or intimidate others has become a tool for encouraging harmful behaviour, especially among the youth.
Murkomen warned that his ministry would take decisive action against individuals who use social media to troll political leaders, spread malicious AI-generated images, or engage in activities that endanger others.