Opinion: Using AI Tools to Depict Leaders' Death Is Reckless, Dangerous and Distasteful
In a country like Kenya, where freedom of expression is enshrined in our Constitution, it is easy to assume that this right is boundless.
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President William Ruto speaking during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, US, September 26, 2024. Photo: Jeenah Moon.
Source: Getty Images
However, recent trends on social media, including the disturbing use of AI-generated images to depict President William Ruto in a casket, serve as a stark reminder that freedoms come with limitations and, more importantly, responsibilities.
Death is a journey we will all take, but to graphically imagine and publicize the death of someone who is alive is not only distasteful but dangerous.
The president, beyond being a symbol of national leadership, is a father, a husband, and a human being.
Such portrayals are not a harmless exercise of free speech; they are a violation of human dignity and an affront to his family and supporters.
While creativity is a vital aspect of any vibrant society, reckless creativity has no place in nation-building.
Social media, once celebrated for democratizing communication, has become a tool for misinformation, defamation, and, in this case, mockery of life itself.
As Kenyans, we must ask ourselves: Where do we draw the line?
Freedom of expression is not an absolute right; it exists within the framework of our laws and societal values.
Depictions of a leader?s death do not just incite outrage; they pose real dangers.
They can serve as fodder for those with malicious intent, emboldening individuals or groups who may seek to carry out such actions in reality.
A society that toys with such ideas under the guise of freedom risks undermining its stability.
The question, then, is not whether we are free to express ourselves but how responsibly we exercise this freedom.
Should someone who weaponizes their voice or platform to incite fear, hate, or instability retain their unfettered access to these freedoms?
At what point does freedom of expression become a tool of destruction rather than progress?
It is time for Kenyans to have a serious conversation about the limits of our freedoms; we must recognize that our rights are intertwined with our responsibilities.
Freedom cannot exist in a vacuum; it requires accountability.
Exercising one?s rights recklessly jeopardizes the rights of others and threatens the social fabric that holds us together.
In this era of AI, misinformation, and instant virality, we must be more vigilant than ever.
A society that cherishes freedom must also cherish order and respect.
Let us not overplay our rights to the point of chaos; instead, let us be guided by principles of decency, responsibility, and a shared commitment to building a stable and united nation.
As we enjoy our freedoms, let us also remember: with great power comes great responsibility. Freedom is a gift, not a weapon.
Let us wield it wisely.
The author, Billy Mijungu, is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and 2022 Senate candidate for Migori County.
The views expressed here are his and do not in any way represent the position of TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
