PS Sing’oei apologises after sharing deepfake video

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has apologized after sharing a deepfake video purported to have come from CNN.

In a statement on Friday, Sing’oei said he regrets any confusion the video may have caused.

He thanked all that flagged the video as a deepfake.

“I sincerely apologize 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," Singo'ei said.

“I regret any confusion this may have caused and thank everyone who flagged the video as a deepfake.” 

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working with partners and tech companies to explore the potential of watermarking AI-generated content to ensure that such material does not pose as human-generated material.

The PS  said the ministry is also designing the School on AI Diplomacy (SAID) at the Foreign Services Academy, a program he will be part of, to equip policymakers better to navigate these emerging challenges.

“My apologies once again and sincerely appreciate everyone's vigilance, correction, and candour,” he said.

Sing’oei had been flagged by CNN journalist Larry Madowo.

Madowo in a post said the video was not from CNN and it was not presented by Fareed Zakaria as claimed by the PS.

Sing’oei later on deleted the said video.

The PS had shared the deepfake video as a reference to a logical assessment of Kenya’s peace diplomacy.

He also called out critics of the decision by Kenya to host leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi to launch a parallel government.