On January 16, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs issued a statement expressing concern over recent cyber activities aimed at delegitimizing government initiatives. The ministry highlighted that these activities, which began as genuine protests by Gen Z, have evolved into organized cyber-attacks by a few social media influencers. These attacks include AI-generated deepfakes, fabricated narratives, and widespread misinformation campaigns targeting President William Ruto’s administration.
The ministry condemned the surge of social media-driven criticisms and noted that these cyber activities are being sent to foreign capitals in an attempt to discredit Kenya as a reliable global partner. In response, the government is developing a Technology Responsibility Charter to promote ethical practices and accountability within the digital space. This charter aims to set clear guidelines for combating misinformation and ensuring responsible use of digital platforms.
Additionally, the ministry reassured international partners of Kenya’s commitment to maintaining a stable and cooperative international environment. It emphasized ongoing efforts to address public concerns, including the establishment of a broad-based government, withdrawal of the contested Finance Bill 2024, and expansion of civic space through a Multistakeholder Forum on Open Government. The ministry encouraged continued engagement and affirmed its openness to discussing any concerns or clarifications with diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and international organizations.
This statement comes amid reports of massive emails sent to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting the cancellation of a planned state visit by the Dutch royal family. The Kenyan government termed these emails as part of the organized cyber-attacks seeking to delegitimize its initiatives and discourage high-level visits.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is actively working to counter these cyber threats and uphold Kenya’s reputation on the global stage.
