Fernandes Barasa Responds After Viral Video Links Him to Alleged Witch Doctor
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has responded to a viral social media video that allegedly links him to a traditional healer, dismissing the material as manipulated and fabricated.
The video, which circulated widely online, has sparked discussion among social media users, with questions being raised over the identity of the person appearing in the footage.
However, the County Government of Kakamega says the material is not authentic and has accused individuals associated with Cleophas Malalah of deliberately spreading what it describes as misleading content targeting the governor.
In a statement dated September 29, 2026, and signed by Sumba Juma, Director of Public Communications and the Governor’s Press Unit, the county government said an official photograph of Governor Barasa had allegedly been attached to a manipulated and AI-generated video.
The county described the publication as an attempt to create a false impression about the governor’s character, beliefs and conduct.
“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.
County Government Says Legal Action Has Begun
According to the statement, the matter was reported to Kakamega Central Police Station on September 29, 2026, with the county saying legal action had been initiated against Cleophas Malalah and other individuals it alleges were involved in publishing and distributing the material.
The county government said the matter had been placed before the relevant authorities for further action.
The statement also referred to Article 33(3) of the Constitution of Kenya, which provides that freedom of expression must be exercised with respect for the rights and reputation of others.
It further cited Article 28, which protects the dignity of every person.
Governor’s Faith Mentioned in Response
The county government also sought to distance Governor Barasa from the allegations by describing him as a committed Christian and member of the Roman Catholic Church.
It said his public service was anchored in faith, integrity, and service to the people of Kakamega.
The statement urged members of the public not to circulate the disputed material further.
What Is Known About the Viral Material?
Reports published after the material began circulating said photographs and video purporting to show a person resembling Governor Barasa in the company of a traditional healer had generated discussion online.
One report cautioned that the identity of the person in the photographs could not independently be established from the images alone.
The County Government of Kakamega has subsequently maintained that the viral material was manipulated and AI-generated. That remains the county government’s characterization of the material, rather than an independently verified fact in the sources reviewed for this report.
Barasa Says Focus Remains on Development
Despite the controversy, the county government said Governor Barasa remained focused on his administration’s development agenda.
The administration has identified six priority areas: health, water and sanitation; wealth creation and infrastructure development; food security; quality education; social development; and good governance.
The county’s recent official updates show the governor continuing to participate in development and public-service activities.
On September 28, the county government reported that Barasa had signed performance contracts with members of the County Executive Committee for the 2026/2027 financial year. The contracts are intended to establish measurable targets and strengthen accountability in county departments.
The county also reported ongoing work at Bukhungu Stadium, where Phase II construction was said to be progressing, including concrete works and fabrication of the roof structure.
County Calls for Restraint on Social Media
The Kakamega County Government has urged residents and other members of the public to refrain from further sharing the disputed material as authorities consider the matter.
The controversy comes at a time when social media platforms continue to play a major role in the rapid distribution of political and public-interest content, making verification increasingly important before users share videos, photographs, or claims about public figures.
For now, the county government maintains that the material circulating online does not accurately represent Governor Fernandes Barasa and says the matter will be handled through the appropriate legal channels.
