TL;DR,

• A deepfake crypto scam targeted Kenya’s Ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s verified X account to promote a fake Kenya Token, attracting 1,620 Telegram members before being exposed as fraud.
• The sophisticated scam followed patterns seen in Tanzania where billionaire Mohammed Dewji’s account was similarly compromised, raising $1.48 million through deepfake.
• Kenya’s upcoming Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill aims to address rising cryptocurrency fraud.

Kenya’s crypto ecosystems took a drastic turn when ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga was involved in a supposed deepfake crypto scam. On September 18, the verified X account of the prominent figure posted a promotion for a new cryptocurrency called the Kenya Token ($KENYA).

The post was short-lived, quickly disappearing, leaving many wondering about its legitimacy, but what truly caught the attention of many was its video.

Kenyan Ex-PM’s Hijacked Account Promotes Deepfake Crypto Scam

The deleted post read:

“We are pleased to announce that Kenya token will soon launch. Kenya is stepping up to lead Africa into the crypto revolution, embracing digital finance and shaping a more crypto-friendly future.”

The post wasn’t just a thread of words claiming that the Kenya Token would position the nation at the centre of Africa’s crypto revolution, but an unsettling video. The footage contained an uncanny image of Raila Odinga promising how the Kenya Token was the next iteration of the nation’s financial systems. “He” further directed users to join its Telegram channel for updates regarding its release and how they can invest.

The post was quickly deleted after publication, but the response time couldn’t match the high consumption rate of social media, reaching thousands of followers. Odinga promptly confirmed that his social media platforms were compromised and the video was an elaborate deepfake crypto scam, urging them to ignore it.

2025 has become a prominent year for crypto projects and blockchain events. Kenya alone has recently gained a trend of hosting blockchain events, prompting many youths to dive into the sector. Unfortunately, this has developed a form of “renewed” faith over digital asset projects, a perfect breeding ground for scammers.

Furthermore, it highlights the growing need for authenticity in a world where deepfake improves with each upgrade. Currently, video creations and generating deepfake voices only cost a few dollars, opening the entire market to exploits and “fake” endorsements.

RELATED: Truth Behind Kenya’s Now-Withdrawn VASP Bill Exposed

The Short History of The Kenyan Token Scam

The deepfake crypto scams showcased the dangers of AI and bore all the hallmarks of a rug pull. Its story was quick but sophisticated, with its creators launching the first version of their website on the same day as the hack. The Kenya token was branded as the “official digital token” of Kenya following a predictable pattern of high-stakes opportunities and high interest rates.

The attack worked well with the Telegram channel, which had over 1,620 members. Most rug pulls follow a pattern of focusing on the potential of the projects without any real products. The Token had no contract address, but the creators boldly hinted at “Do not purchase anything unless it is shared through our official Telegram and Prime Minister Odinga’s verified Twitter.”

Offical Kenya Token Telegram post.[Photo: Telegram]

Similar scenarios occurred back in February 2025 when Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewhi’s Account was hacked, promoting a fake token called $ Tanzania. This was also a deepfake crypto scam showcasing a video of Dweji endorsing the Token. However, unlike this case, the phoney project raised nearly $1.48 million.

Why Kenya? Exploiting a Nation’s Growing Crypto Appetite

The various signs of fake crypto projects were painfully highlighted, but why now? One thread linking the trend might be a recent project endorsed by Kenya’s very own ICT minister, the Kenya Digital Token.

RELATED: Solana-Powered Kenya Digital Token Gains Cabinet Support

On July 11, a group of anonymous developers surfaced, launching the Kenya Digital Token or $KDT, with a unique pitch: a tool for civic participation and a way for citizens to “buy into Kenyan Heritage.” The launch, however, had a single flaw; no white paper or presale, instruments that investors bank on to ensure creators won’t up and vanish. A crypto white paper analysis breaks down what makes the projects work, giving investors the incentive to pour in capital.

However, instead of making unrealistic promises, the developers stuck around, presenting these levels in forums and making adjustments where necessary. Later on, the KDT team released their whitepaper describing the Token as a non-investment project.

Users would only earn the tokens by participating in community activities like scanning QR posters, joining educational tasks, or amplifying project news online. Additionally, tokens will only be released after 36 months.

A single wallet holds 60% of the $KDT supply[Photo: Solscan]

If the whale account decided to sell after an upswing in prices, ordinary investors could lose their money. For many investors, this is a no-go zone.

The deepfake crypto scams are a rising issue, with its government rapidly pushing its Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, scheduled for a second reading on September 23. So far, the crisis has been averted, but this is still a developing story. Will Kenya finally double down on protection like Nigeria? Or will more scams erupt?