Controversial Kenyan preacher of the Neno Evangelism Centre James Maina Ng’ang’a has called on the government to take firm action against what he described as a growing trend of digital disrespect particularly the use of Artificial intelligence to create offensive content aimed at Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan.

This comes at the back of a Kenya vs Tanzania diplomatic which saw tech savy individuals generating images of Tanzanian head of state Samia Suluhu.

Speaking during a recent church service, Ng’ang’a did not mince his words. He condemned using AI tools to circulate demeaning images and videos of President Suluhu warning that such content undermines not just leaders but the values of African societies at large.

“This nonsense of creating fake things using AI about Tanzanian president, the government must deal with that. “He said. “You cant just sit and watch while people are using machines to insult leadership.” he added.

Ng’ang’a’s comments comes amid rising concerns in the East Africa region on the misuse of generative AI especially when targeting public figures.

His remarks echoes those of Tanzanian member of parliament Felisa Njau who earlier this week expressed similar outrage and demanded accountability from those behind the digitally altered materials.

Ng’ang’a known for his fiery sermons and unfiltered opinions, stressed that freedom of expression should not be confused with digital anarchy.

“Respect for authority doesn’t end because someone has a computer. There must be boundaries.” He said.

In response several regional leaders have called for stronger regulation and digital literacy campaigns to help the public identify and reject manipulated content.

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