In a shocking turn of events today, sources close to former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga have claimed that his official X account was hacked, following a bizarre announcement about the launch of “Kenya Token”. The post, which surfaced early Thursday morning, described the token as a blockchain-based digital asset designed to bolster Kenya’s financial system, drive economic growth, and position the country as a frontrunner in Africa’s cryptocurrency adoption.
It emphasised financial inclusion and youth empowerment, urging followers to join an updates channel. The announcement included a video clip featuring Odinga himself, speaking confidently about the project’s potential to revolutionise digital finance on the Solana blockchain.
“We are pleased to announce that Kenya Token will soon launch,” the post read, highlighting how the initiative could foster innovation and a crypto-friendly future for the nation.
At first glance, the video showed no obvious signs of manipulation, with Odinga’s familiar voice and mannerisms intact. However, insiders close to the veteran politician quickly raised red flags, insisting the message was unauthorized and not reflective of his views.
This incident comes just months after Kenya’s government rolled out its own Kenya Digital Token on Solana in July 2025, a move aimed at modernising the economy through official digital assets.
That launch received endorsements from regulatory bodies like the Central Bank of Kenya, complete with clear guidelines and partnerships. In stark contrast, the “Kenya Token” post offered no links to official sources, no regulatory nods, and instead directed users to a Telegram channel – a detail that fuelled immediate suspicions of a scam.
Online reactions poured in swiftly, creating a whirlwind of debate across social media. Enthusiasts hailed it as a bold step toward crypto innovation, with some users posting comments like, “This could be huge for Kenya’s youth and economy!”
Others, however, expressed deep concerns, labelling it a potential deepfake or hacking ploy. “Somebody hacked Raila Odinga’s X account and made a deepfake to scam people,” one prominent user warned, echoing widespread fears.
Sarcastic replies flooded in too, such as, “A Solana rug pull to improve our financial system? Sounds legit.” The mix of excitement and scepticism underscores the fragile trust in Kenya’s burgeoning digital economy, where cyber threats loom large.
Odinga’s team has yet to issue an official statement, but sources say efforts are underway to secure the account and alert authorities. Cybersecurity experts are now scrutinising the post for traces of foul play, amid growing worries about high-profile hacks in the region.
Kenya’s tech scene has seen rapid growth, but incidents like this highlight vulnerabilities that could erode public confidence in blockchain projects. As investigations continue, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for African nations navigating the crypto wave.
With no confirmed ties between this “Kenya Token” and the government’s initiative, officials are urging caution against unsolicited investment calls. The Central Bank of Kenya reiterated today that any legitimate digital asset would undergo strict vetting, reminding citizens to verify sources before engaging.
This hacking claim adds to Odinga’s long history of digital challenges, including past election-related cyber allegations. Kenyans are currently closely monitoring the situation, attempting to balance their hopes for tech-driven progress with the realities of online risks.