Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to take action against Kenyans who are misusing social media to target political leaders and criticize the government.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu alongside President William Ruto, Murkomen expressed concern over the growing trend of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated images used maliciously online.

He specifically condemned a recent viral image depicting President Ruto in a coffin, describing such actions as threats to national security and individual safety. Murkomen criticized parents and church leaders for failing to address these behaviors, which he sees as fostering a culture of disrespect and moral decay among the youth.

“There are people creating images of our leaders in coffins,” Murkomen said. “Imagine if someone shared a similar image of your child. Would you condone that? These actions are threats and must stop.”

The CS pledged his ministry would prosecute individuals using social media to spread harmful content, emphasizing the need to restore order in the country.

President Ruto echoed these concerns, urging parents and leaders to discourage youth from engaging in online abuse. He warned that tolerating such behaviors could lead to a morally compromised future generation, potentially escalating into criminal activities.

“Today, they target politicians; tomorrow, it could be church leaders, parents, or siblings. This behavior will breed criminals who harm society,” Ruto said.

Ruto called on leaders to set a positive example and guide the youth toward responsible online conduct. He cautioned that unchecked misuse of digital platforms risks creating a society of disorder and violence.