Governor accuses Malala, alleged surrogates of spreading manipulated footage as legal action begins.
By Linda Juma
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has hit back at a viral video purportedly linking him to a witchcraft ritual, dismissing the footage as manipulated and AI-generated content allegedly designed to damage his reputation.
In a statement, the Governor’s Press Unit accused former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and his alleged surrogates of circulating the video on social media.
The governor’s office said the footage was fabricated and should not be relied upon as an authentic depiction of Barasa.The controversy erupted after the video resurfaced online, appearing to show a man resembling the governor in what was presented as a traditional or witchcraft-related setting.
Reports have noted that the identity of the person in the footage cannot independently be established from the material alone.Barasa’s office has now rejected the claims, describing the video as part of what it alleges is a campaign to tarnish the governor’s name.
The Governor’s Press Unit also sought to defend Barasa’s personal character, describing him as a devout Christian “whose public service is anchored in faith.”
The office further said legal action had been initiated against Malala and other individuals allegedly involved in publishing and disseminating the material. Current reports indicate that the matter was placed before authorities following the circulation of the video.
The renewed controversy has revived memories of allegations that circulated in 2024 in connection with an extortion case involving claims surrounding a purported traditional healer. Those earlier claims were allegations and were not independently established as proof that Barasa participated in any ritual.
The latest dispute now shifts the focus to the authenticity and origin of the viral footage, with Barasa’s camp firmly maintaining that it is fabricated.Malala and any other individuals accused of circulating the material would have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.For now, the authenticity, provenance and context of the disputed video remain central to the unfolding controversy.