Outspoken ODM supporter and activist Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, has come out guns blazing against viral AI-doctored images that falsely depict him in a romantic embrace with Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The photos, which surfaced online shortly after Gaucho celebrated his birthday alongside Mama Ida, have sparked widespread debate, with many calling them a reckless bid for clout at the expense of respected figures.
The controversy erupted when manipulated images began circulating on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), showing Gaucho and Mama Ida sharing what appears to be an intimate kiss while feeding each other cake.
These visuals, confirmed to be AI-generated or heavily photoshopped, stem from genuine photos of the birthday event where Gaucho described the occasion as a heartfelt moment with a "mother figure." However, online trolls twisted the narrative, leading to rumors of a romantic involvement – a claim Gaucho has vehemently denied.
In a fiery statement shared on social media and during an appearance on Spice FM's After Hours show, Gaucho slammed the creators of the images as "clout chasers" who are "reckless and disrespectful."
He emphasized his platonic relationship with Mama Ida, stating, "Mama Ida is a respected leader and a mother figure to me, not for romantic speculation."
Gaucho went further, warning that any attempts to "besmirch, soil, or damage Mama Ida Odinga's name, image, and reputation for content creation, directly or through graphics, are uncalled for" and could invite legal repercussions.
The activist's defense comes amid a backdrop of mourning and respect for the Odinga family, following Raila Odinga's passing.
Gaucho highlighted the insensitivity of such fabrications, noting that Mama Ida, a pillar in Kenyan politics and society, deserves better than to be dragged into baseless scandals.
"Why would people risk soiling an individual's reputation just for clout?" he questioned in his statement.