Photo: Lucy Natasha/Facebook
Renowned Kenyan televangelist Rev Lucy Natasha has issued a firm public clarification after AI-generated images allegedly showing her in compromising positions with South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit began circulating widely on social media.
The controversial images emerged days after Natasha officially launched a branch of her Empowerment Christian Church (ECC) in Juba and paid a courtesy visit to President Kiir at the Office of the President.
The timing fuelled online speculation, forcing the preacher to directly address the claims.
In a statement shared on her verified social media platforms, Natasha dismissed the images as fake and warned against the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to damage reputations.
“I wish to clarify that an image circulating on social media depicting me with President Salva Kiir Mayardit is AI-generated and not authentic,” she said. “The genuine photographs from our official meeting were shared only on my official social media platforms.”
Natasha urged both the public and media practitioners to exercise caution, stressing that manipulated digital content has become increasingly convincing and dangerous.
“In 2026, visual content alone is no longer sufficient proof of authenticity,” she noted, calling on internet users to verify information from credible and official sources before sharing it further.
She also condemned cyberbullying, warning that false narratives can cause serious harm to individuals and institutions.
The clarification comes amid heightened online scrutiny following her high-profile visit to South Sudan, where she officially opened ECC Juba and met President Kiir in what she described as a symbolic engagement centred on peace and unity.
Sharing details of the meeting earlier, Natasha praised the South Sudanese leader, describing him as a statesman committed to national healing.
“Wonderful moments with H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan in the Office of the President,” she wrote.
“A statesman and symbol of unity—championing peace, dialogue, and hope. South Sudan shall walk in peace. Unity will prevail. The nation shall rise, together.”