AI-generated image of Kenyan MPs circulates, sparks reputational concerns
An AI-generated image purporting to show Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya in a close pose circulated on social media in January 2026. Passaris flagged the image as manipulated during Data Protection Day and urged Kenyans to verify information, but her clarification was met with public skepticism and criticism.
What happened
An AI-generated image circulated on social media showing Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris posing closely with Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, with physical contact between them.
Passaris flagged the image as AI-manipulated on 28 January 2026 during Data Protection Day, stating that one version was AI-generated and another was the real photograph. She shared additional images to illustrate the difference.
Reported impact
The AI-altered image sparked sharp online criticism and backlash against both MPs, with many Kenyans questioning the appropriateness of the image and speculating about the nature of their interaction.
Despite Passaris's clarification that the image was manipulated, public skepticism remained high, with many Kenyans expressing disappointment and disbelief in her explanation.
Index analysis
The incident highlights the challenge of distinguishing authentic content from digitally altered material using generative AI tools capable of producing hyper-realistic images.
Kenya's Cybercrime and Data Protection laws provide safeguards against digital harm, identity theft, cyberbullying, and unauthorised use of personal images, though regulators face ongoing challenges in keeping pace with rapidly evolving AI capabilities.
Governance controls
Passaris emphasized the importance of data protection, digital ethics, and stronger cyber laws, including Kenya's cybercrime and data protection frameworks, as safeguards against digital harm.
She cautioned Kenyans to always verify information online, noting that in 2026 'seeing is no longer believing.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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