Wajir elders defend Fatuma Jehow, urge public to reject fabricated content

Speaking during a public gathering in Bute on Friday, the elders called on members of the public to ignore what they termed the "noise of a few individuals with ill intentions," saying the efforts were meant to stir unnecessary political divisions within the county.

The elders raised concern over the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that emerging technologies were increasingly being exploited to create and circulate misleading content, particularly during politically charged periods.

"We should not allow ourselves to be deceived by fabricated content or propaganda designed to mislead the public. AI is a powerful tool, but it is now being misused by some people for political gain," one of the elders told the gathering.

They appealed to residents to verify information before sharing it and to focus on issues that promote peace, unity, and development rather than divisive politics.

The community leaders also challenged journalists and media houses to uphold professionalism, ethics, and accuracy in their reporting, stressing that responsible journalism played a critical role in maintaining public trust and curbing the spread of misinformation.

"We call upon the media to report fairly, objectively, and professionally. The media has a duty to verify facts before publishing stories, especially at a time when fake and AI-generated content is becoming more common," the elders said.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in Wajir County, urging political leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves with dignity and avoid actions that could undermine community cohesion.

The remarks come amid growing national concern over the misuse of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to spread disinformation, with stakeholders calling for greater public awareness and responsible use of emerging tools.