President William Ruto has condemned the circulation of AI-generated images depicting him and other leaders in coffins, a trend that has stirred controversy on social media in recent months.
Speaking in Uasin Gishu County on Friday, January 10, during the inauguration of the Ngeria Technical Training Institute in Kapseret, Ruto urged young Kenyans to use the internet responsibly. He cautioned against being manipulated by politicians into spreading such morbid content, warning that it could foster a destructive culture.
“I want to urge the youth not to be misled by politicians paying them small amounts of money to share images of leaders in coffins. Today, you put leaders in coffins; tomorrow, you’ll do the same to your parents, friends, or siblings. Eventually, this will lead to something far worse,” Ruto stated.
The President further called on the youth to focus on building good morals and character, emphasizing that sharing such images benefits no one. He noted that this trend not only disrespects the individuals depicted but also erodes societal values.
“Let us be careful not to nurture a generation destined for self-destruction,” he added.
Ruto encouraged young people to redirect their digital efforts toward constructive pursuits, such as monetizing their skills and creating employment opportunities. He highlighted the potential of the internet as a tool for economic empowerment rather than a platform for spreading harmful content.
“I am very proud of the 120,000 young Kenyans earning a living through digital jobs. Instead of sharing images of people in coffins, use the internet to create jobs, earn money, and improve your lives,” the President said.
The remarks come amid mounting concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media, with leaders urging greater accountability among content creators and users alike.
