Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has broken his silence after a viral video purportedly showing him participating in a witchcraft ritual sparked heated debate online.

In an official statement released on September 29, 2026, through the County Government’s Director of Public Communications Sumba Juma, Barasa dismissed the clip as digitally manipulated and AI-generated content intended to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to the county government, an official photograph of the Governor had been deliberately attached to a manipulated video depicting him in what appeared to be an objectionable setting with an individual alleged to be a witch doctor. The video shows a man removing his shirt and trousers and standing in boxer briefs while an older man with a white beard performs a ritual.

“The use of digitally manipulated or AI-generated material to create a false impression about a public officer is not legitimate political discourse,” the statement said.

The county government said the material was part of an attempt to create what it termed a false narrative about Barasa’s character, beliefs and conduct, and urged residents to ignore and refrain from further circulating the video.

Legal Action Against Malala

The statement accuses former Kakamega Senator and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and his alleged surrogates of circulating the clip.

“Legal action against Cleo Malalah and other persons involved in the publication and dissemination of the material was initiated today, September 29 2026, at Kakamega Central Police Station,” the county said, as reported by http://Kenyans.co.ke and Tukio.

The county further cited Articles 33(3) and 28 of the Constitution of Kenya, which provide for respect for the rights and reputation of others and protect the right to dignity.

The statement described Governor Barasa as a committed member of the Roman Catholic Church and said his public service was anchored on faith, integrity, and the welfare of Kakamega residents.

Malala Threatens Part 2

Despite the legal threat, Malala has doubled down. On September 30, he posted a video labeled “PART 2 of 12” about “WITCHCRAFT IN KAKAMEGA” and threatened to release another video he claims shows Barasa in a different ritual. His posts have been widely shared on Facebook and Instagram.

The current saga mirrors a 2024 incident where a similar video resurfaced, leading to the arrest of William Simiyu Matere alias Elijah who was charged over alleged extortion of the Governor over the clip.

Kenyans online remain divided, with some calling it a clear AI deepfake and others questioning the county’s defense.

Police at Kakamega Central are investigating the source of the manipulated video.