Ruto Speaks On Coffin Photos Shared On Social Media

President William Ruto on Friday, January 10 called out a section of Kenyans circulating on social media photos mostly generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) of senior government officials lying inside coffins.

Ruto spoke in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County where he cautioned the youth against being paid by certain politicians to tarnish the image of government officials.

The Head of State disclosed that he had received reports indicating that some politicians had paid young social media users to create and share the controversial images which generated massive traction.

Addressing residents, the president warned youths in the area against engaging in such misconduct, emphasising that not only was it harmful to society but also could cause harm to some members of their families.

“I want to ask the youths not to be lured by small amounts of money to create images showing government officials inside coffins,” President Ruto remarked.

The Head of State also warned that such impunity had dire consequences, as it fostered a culture of violence and the devaluation of human life.

“Today, you will put your leaders inside a coffin; tomorrow, you will do the same to your parents, and your siblings, and eventually, you will begin to kill each other," he went on.

President Ruto instead urged the youth to use the internet for good purposes, including constructive activities such as creating job opportunities to earn a living for themselves instead of wasting time and resources criticising the government.

He also criticised politicians allegedly involved in such schemes, urging them to shift their efforts to meaningful activities instead of engaging in acts that can ruin generations. 

“I want to tell our young people that good morals pay. Instead of using the internet to post pictures of people in coffins, use it to create jobs for yourselves and improve your lives,” the president advised.

Meanwhile, he opined that the recent criticism of social media was meant to derail his development agenda, adding that he would continue with his work despite the noise and distractions.

His remarks came barely a week after five youths believed to have been abducted in December were found alive but abandoned in different parts of the country.

Among those who were reportedly abducted but found alive included Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Benard Kavuli, cartoonist Kibet Bull and his brother Ronny Kiplagat.

Their alleged abductions were reported to be due to a common agenda; sharing controversial and disturbing images of senior government officials in their social media accounts, including the President.