Raila Odinga Deepfake Video Promoting Cryptocurrency Sparks Alarm Online

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-18 23:30 EAT. A deepfake video of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga endorsing a cryptocurrency briefly appeared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on September 18, triggering public alarm before it was swiftly removed.

The Latest

• The video showed an AI-generated Odinga praising a digital token allegedly aligned with Kenya’s economic goals, but tech-savvy users quickly flagged irregularities such as unnatural facial movements and lack of official confirmation.

• Investigations indicate hackers compromised the account, using it to lure investors into purchasing the cryptocurrency before it was deleted later the same day.

Context in Brief

• The incident mirrors a July 2025 case where ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo’s account was similarly compromised, posting apparent endorsements of the same token before he publicly disavowed any link to it.

• Experts say such scams exploit Kenya’s rising cryptocurrency interest and weak social media security protocols.

Evidence & Data

• Token impact: Unverified reports suggest 20% of the token’s supply was bought shortly after the deepfake appeared〔333816918779195 L54-L58〕.

• Timeline:

  • Sept 18, Afternoon: Video uploaded on Odinga’s verified account.

  • Sept 18, Evening: Video removed; account control restored.

  • Sept 19: Investigations launched; public warnings issued.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Odinga’s Handlers:

  “We have regained control of the account. Any cryptocurrency promotions should be ignored.” (2025-09-18)

• Communications Authority of Kenya:

  “Citizens must be vigilant and report suspicious investment schemes. Cybersecurity awareness is critical.” (2025-09-18)

• Cybersecurity Experts:

  “Deepfakes combined with hacked accounts are the new frontier of digital financial fraud.” (CyberSec Africa, 2025-09-19)

Law & Policy Angle

• Kenya lacks a specific law on deepfakes, but fraud statutes and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Actcould apply to cases involving financial loss or identity deception.

• Calls for digital ID verification for public-figure accounts on platforms like X are growing louder.

Risks & Implications

• Investor losses: Early buyers risk holding worthless tokens.

• Political reputations: Deepfakes can erode public trust in leaders.

• Regulatory gaps: Kenya’s crypto regulations remain fragmented despite growing adoption.

What We Don’t Know

• Who orchestrated the hack and whether they are linked to previous crypto scams.

• The true financial losses incurred by buyers after the deepfake circulated.

• Whether platforms like X will introduce enhanced security for verified accounts.

What to Watch

• Possible law enforcement investigations into the hack and token promoters.

• Moves by parliament or regulators to tighten crypto and cybersecurity laws.

• Whether social media firms will expand use of AI-powered deepfake detection.