A video making rounds online, claiming to show a rhino charging at President William Ruto, has been confirmed to be AI-generated.
The misleading clip began circulating after a brief moment of tension during the launch of the Tsavo West Rhino Conservation Sanctuary on Tuesday. In the AI-created video, a man dressed exactly like President Ruto is seen falling to the ground and running away from a rhino.
However, real footage from the event shows a completely different scenario. President Ruto, Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano, other dignitaries, and rangers were standing safely on a raised platform at the back of a truck. Multiple camera angles confirm that the rhino never came close enough to reach them.
The confusion started when a newly released rhino briefly turned toward the platform, appearing as though it might charge before quickly changing direction.
The unexpected movement caused a short moment of panic, during which President Ruto is heard saying, “Inataka fujo,” meaning “It is looking for trouble.” Moments later, guests were seen laughing and clapping as the rhino trotted off into the bushes.
The newly inaugurated sanctuary spans more than 3,200 square kilometres, making it the world’s largest rhino sanctuary. It is expected to play a major role in achieving Kenya’s conservation targets—1,450 rhinos by 2030 and 2,000 by 2037.
Previously, the 92-square-kilometre Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary held nearly 150 black rhinos, far beyond its ecological capacity. This overcrowding had led to increased territorial conflict, lower calf survival, and heightened stress levels among the animals.
The Ministry says the new sanctuary will ease pressure, boost breeding, and improve long-term wildlife conservation efforts.
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