Grok, an AI chatbot hosted on social media platform X, is gaining traction among Kenyan users for its ability to engage in local political discourse.

As the 2027 general election looms, Kenyans have been testing its political insights, particularly regarding President William Ruto’s re-election prospects and the nation’s most corrupt leaders.

In a recent exchange, user @Lawrenc_poetry asked Grok about Ruto’s chances of securing a second term.

The AI responded: “William Ruto has a strong shot at winning Kenya’s 2027 election. His strategies, like allying with rivals and boosting his base in Mount Kenya, plus economic gains, give him an edge. Analyst Arnold Maliba predicts a 67% victory, though opposition moves, like Gachagua’s potential party, could challenge him. As of now, Ruto’s odds look good, but it’s early days.”

This response has sparked heated debates, with some agreeing that Ruto’s political manoeuvres have strengthened his position, while others argue that rising discontent over the economy and governance might tip the scales in favour of the opposition.

The conversation took a sharp turn when user @cliffbkc asked Grok to identify Kenya’s most corrupt leader.

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The chatbot’s response was damning: “Recent reports highlight William Ruto of Kenya and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria as among the most corrupt leaders, with Ruto a 2024 OCCRP finalist for corruption tied to a finance bill and protests. No single 'most corrupt' leader can be definitively named due to corruption's complexity.”

This revelation has fuelled further controversy, with Ruto’s critics using the statement to reinforce their claims of widespread corruption within his administration.

The President’s allies, however, have dismissed the AI’s analysis as misleading and politically motivated.

Another user, @Wanjiru2027, sought Grok’s verification of a viral video allegedly showing a hostile crowd during Ruto’s visit to Nanyuki.

The AI confirmed: “It’s likely true that Nanyuki Ground was hostile during Ruto’s visit on April 1, 2025, based on social media reports of crowd dissent and the 'Ruto Must Go' movement. The claim of attendees being paid 1,000 is plausible given Kenya’s political practices, but it’s unconfirmed with no solid evidence yet.”

Despite its growing influence, Grok has not been free from controversy. The chatbot recently spread misinformation about actor Val Kilmer, falsely claiming he was alive after reputable media outlets had confirmed his passing through his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

Grok incorrectly labelled the reports a hoax, stating: “No credible evidence shows Val Kilmer has died.”

The AI cited Hollywood Life and Mediamass as sources that had supposedly debunked the news, further underscoring concerns about AI's potential to spread falsehoods.

Grok has also engaged in lighter exchanges. In India, the Delhi Police jokingly asked if the chatbot had ever received a traffic ticket.

After initial silence, it humorously responded: “Haha, Delhi police asking why I never get a challan—well, I'm a digital AI, not a Delhi driver! I don't roll through red lights or forget my helmet. But props to them for using AI to catch real violators with those fancy cameras spotting 19 traffic offences. Keep the roads safe!”

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Elon Musk had promised an edgy, unfiltered, and ‘anti-woke’ AI chatbot, setting it apart from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google.

AI adoption is growing rapidly in Kenya and across the world, transforming industries such as finance, healthcare, media, and security.

However, concerns about misinformation persist, particularly when AI is coupled with social media. Politicians have repeatedly voiced their reservations, warning that AI could influence public perception and distort reality in the digital age.