MISSING CONTEXT: This video isn’t of Francis Atwoli reprimanding Moses Wetang’ula in October 2024
The video was initially published in December 2021.
This video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli reprimanding National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is MISSING CONTEXT.
“I will be there in Bungoma, I will be there in Kakamega, I will be there in Vihiga, I will be there in Busia, I am going to be there in Trans Nzoia, and there will be no escape route for one Moses Wetang’ula. There will be no escape route for Moses Masika Wetang’ula,” Atwoli says in the video.
The video is accompanied by text reading: “I am personally going to push out Wetangula out of speaker’s seat.”
The video was shared amid reports of Wetangula’s impending ouster.
To confirm the video’s authenticity, Ghetto Radio performed a Google reverse image search on a screengrab from the clip and found a similar video posted in December 2021.
Further in the 2021 video, Atwoli, while beginning his address, refers to Wetang’ula as the Senator of Bungoma, a position he held from 2012 to 2022, which also proves the video is not from 2024.
A keyword search led Ghetto Radio to debunks by PesaCheck and Africa Check which also found that the video is not current.
Ghetto Radio investigated a video on X showing COTU-K Secretary General Francis Atwoli reprimanding Moses Wetang’ula and found it to be MISSING CONTEXT.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FAKE: This statement purportedly by ambassadors and high commissioners on Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment is fabricated
Several embassies listed on the document have disowned it.
This statement shared on Facebook supposedly from ambassadors and high commissioners in Kenya banning Rigathi Gachagua from traveling abroad due to his impeachment is FAKE.
The statement claims that foreign nations represented by the ambassadors and high commissioners in the country have expressed concern that has led to Gachagua being declared persona non grata in the European Union (EU), United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The statement surfaced online after Gachagua was impeached as the deputy president, following a decision by the Senate to upload the National Assembly’s move to oust him.
To confirm the letter’s authenticity, Ghetto Radio checked social media platforms of the embassies listed on the document, but did not find the communication. Instead, we found posts disowning the document in question as outlined below.
The US Embassy in Kenya disowned the purported statement and flagged it fake on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The embassies of Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Belgium in Kenya also distanced themselves from the said statement.
Further, the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, also flagged the statement.
Lastly, news of Gachagua being banned from visiting the said counties would have been prominently covered in the media, however, there’s no evidence of any such ban.
Ghetto Radio examined a statement shared on Facebook supposedly from ambassadors and high commissioners in Kenya banning Rigathi Gachagua from travelling abroad due to his impeachment and found it to be FAKE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FAKE: Nation Africa didn’t publish this card claiming Kalonzo Musyoka has been nominated as Interior Cabinet Secretary
Nation Africa and Kalonzo Musyoka have disowned the card.
This digital card purportedly from Nation Africa claiming Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been nominated as the Interior Cabinet Secretary is FAKE.
“National Assembly Speaker Wetangula receives the nomination of Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka as Interior Cabinet Secretary following the promotion of Kithure Kindiki,” reads the text on the card.
The graphic was shared after Kithure Kindiki, who was serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, was nominated by President Ruto for the position of deputy president and approved by the National Assembly following Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment by the National Assembly and the Senate.
To confirm the card’s authenticity, Ghetto Radio reviewed Nation Africa’s Facebook page and X (formerly Twitter), but there was no such card.
On 18 October 2024, Nation Africa disowned the card stating: “FAKE NEWS ALERT! Please be advised that this card doing rounds on social media is fake.”
Further, Kalonzo Musyoka Command Centre Communications Lead Paloma Gatabaki disowned the card and termed it fake.
“Our attention has been drawn to the Fake News poster circulating on social media. It should be made clear that the poster did not originate from the @NationAfrica. Furthermore, the substance is at best laughable; and at worst pitiable reflecting an out-of-touch & desperately dithering dictatorship. The Alternative Government Leader and @TheWiperParty leader HE Dr. @skmusyoka has on several occasions, clearly dismissed any and all claims that purportedly link him to the anti-people bread based regime,” the statement reads in part.
Ghetto Radio examined a digital card purportedly from Nation Africa claiming Kalonzo Musyoka has been nominated as the Interior Cabinet Secretary and found it to be FAKE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
Wakati wa kampeni za uchaguzi wa mwaka wa 2022 wanawake wengi waliweza kudhulumiwa na wengi wao hawajaweza kupata haki yao. Wengine wamebaki wakiuguza majeraha .
SearchWrite
This website, submitted for fact-checking via PesaCheck’s WhatsApp Tipline and claiming to offer cash giveaways through Safaricom’s M-PESA service, is a HOAX.
The site claims that M-PESA is issuing KSh5,000 gift vouchers to all its customers to celebrate its anniversary.
To qualify, users must first provide their phone numbers to get the purported gift voucher.
The next phase requires prospective beneficiaries to select their gender, after which they are requested to share the link with five WhatsApp groups or 15 friends.
But is the giveaway authentic?
The website has red flags, among them exerting pressure on users to act fast. For instance, the site repeatedly says, “Hurry and get this amazing offer.”
The site also requests users share the link on WhatsApp to enter the giveaway. This is consistent with PesaCheck’s research on red flags for online scams.
The site uses a suspicious URL ‘https://m-pesa.programs.lat/Gifts#1728237727749’ which is different from the authentic Safaricom website ‘https://www.safaricom.co.ke/’
A WHOIS search established that the impostor website was registered in Iceland on 10 June 2024. Information about the registrant is hidden, while the authentic Safaricom website was registered by Safaricom PLC on 12 February 2003.
Legitimate sites tend to be much older than hoax sites, which also have hidden details about the registrant, raising suspicion.
A review of Safaricom’s website, Facebook page, and X (formerly Twitter) account did not yield the giveaway in question.
PesaCheck contacted Safaricom on X and established that the giveaway was not authentic.
“These are fraudsters. Do not follow any procedure or click any link,” Safaricom said.
PesaCheck examined a website submitted for fact-checking via PesaCheck’s WhatsApp Tipline, and claiming to offer cash giveaways through Safaricom’s M-PESA service, and found it to be a HOAX.
This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.
By partnering with Facebook and similar social media platforms, third-party fact-checking organisations like PesaCheck are helping to sort fact from fiction. We do this by giving the public deeper insight and context to posts they see in their social media feeds.
Have you spotted what you think is fake or false information on Facebook? Here’s how you can report. And, here’s more information on PesaCheck’s methodology for fact-checking questionable content.
This fact-check was written by PesaCheck fact-checker Rodgers Omondi and edited by PesaCheck senior copy editor Mary Mutisya.
The article was approved for publication by PesaCheck managing editor Doreen Wainainah.
PesaCheck is East Africa’s first public finance fact-checking initiative. It was co-founded by Catherine Gicheru and Justin Arenstein, and is being incubated by the continent’s largest civic technology and data journalism accelerator: Code for Africa. It seeks to help the public separate fact from fiction in public pronouncements about the numbers that shape our world, with a special emphasis on pronouncements about public finances that shape government’s delivery of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) public services, such as healthcare, rural development and access to water / sanitation. PesaCheck also tests the accuracy of media reportage. To find out more about the project, visit pesacheck.org.
PesaCheck is an initiative of Code for Africa, through its innovateAFRICA fund, with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie, in partnership with a coalition of local African media and other civic watchdog organisations.
Are they lying? Kenya’s 1st fact-checking initiative verifies statements by public figures. A @Code4Kenya and @IBP_Kenya initiative, supported by @Code4Africa.
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HOAX: This website purportedly offering M-PESA cash giveaways is a scamSafaricom has disowned the site.·Published in·4 min read·Oct 9, 2024Follow UsLike UsEmail UsWhatsApp UsEnglishKenyaShort FormWritten by PesaCheck5.8K Followers·Editor for FollowMore from PesaCheck and PesaCheckFALSE: These aren’t bodies of congregants burnt by a pastor in DRCThe image shows casualties of a fuel tanker explosion in Tanzania in 2019.Oct 20, 2023FALSE: Margarine is not similar to plastic and does not share 27 ingredients with paintPlastics are polymers and completely unrelated to anything in margarine.Apr 29, 20219FAUX : L’artiste français Dadju n’est pas mortDadju Djuna Nsungula, plus connu sous le mononyme Dadju, continue de mettre à jour ses différentes pages de médias sociaux et a annoncé…Jan 28, 2022FALSE: This image is not of a pro-Palestine billboard in Chicago, USAThe image is of a pro-Palestine billboard in Tunisia.Nov 16, 20232See all from PesaCheckSee all from PesaCheckRecommended from MediumMake Money Like Google Start Your Own Search Engine TodayHave you ever thought of creating your own search engine online? Believe it or not, it is a fun way to earn an additional income. You can…3d agoShow more...
SearchWrite
These posts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) with a photo supposedly of the situation in Kenya’s Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on 1 October 2024 are FALSE.
“Situation right now at Nairobi CBD #FREEMORARA,” reads the Facebook post.
The image depicts a group of individuals carrying placards and marching along a street.
One donned a sackcloth with the text: “If I die in the battlefield, tell Mama I did my best.”
A section of Kenyans, mainly the youth, had threatened to hold protests in Nairobi CBD on 1 October 2024, following the arrest of activist Morara Kebaso on 30 September 2024.
Kebaso was released on a KSh50,000 cash bail after appearing in court on 1 October 2024.
A Google reverse image search led PesaCheck to an image published by Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) Afrika on 26 June 2024, which predates the claim.
TRT Afrika published the photo alongside three others. The images were accompanied by a Kiswahili text that translates to: “The Kenya Medical Association has said at least 23 people have been killed and 30 others are being treated for gunshot wounds after a nationwide protest against a tax hike in Kenya on Tuesday.”
TRT Afrika’s post came a day after a section of Kenyans took to the streets on 25 June 2024, protesting against the government. The protest led to loss of lives and injuries.
The image was also shared here and here.
PesaChecked looked into posts on Facebook and X with a photo supposedly showing the situation in the Nairobi CBD on 1 October 2024 and found them to be FALSE.
This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.
By partnering with Facebook and similar social media platforms, third-party fact-checking organisations like PesaCheck are helping to sort fact from fiction. We do this by giving the public deeper insight and context to posts they see in their social media feeds.
Have you spotted what you think is fake or false information on Facebook? Here’s how you can report. And, here’s more information on PesaCheck’s methodology for fact-checking questionable content.
This fact-check was written by PesaCheck fact-checker Rodgers Omondi and edited by PesaCheck senior copy editor Mary Mutisya and chief copy editor Stephen Ndegwa.
The article was approved for publication by PesaCheck managing editor Doreen Wainainah.
PesaCheck is East Africa’s first public finance fact-checking initiative. It was co-founded by Catherine Gicheru and Justin Arenstein, and is being incubated by the continent’s largest civic technology and data journalism accelerator: Code for Africa. It seeks to help the public separate fact from fiction in public pronouncements about the numbers that shape our world, with a special emphasis on pronouncements about public finances that shape government’s delivery of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) public services, such as healthcare, rural development and access to water / sanitation. PesaCheck also tests the accuracy of media reportage. To find out more about the project, visit pesacheck.org.
PesaCheck is an initiative of Code for Africa, through its innovateAFRICA fund, with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie, in partnership with a coalition of local African media and other civic watchdog organisations.
Are they lying? Kenya’s 1st fact-checking initiative verifies statements by public figures. A @Code4Kenya and @IBP_Kenya initiative, supported by @Code4Africa.
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FALSE: This photo wasn’t captured in Nairobi CBD on 1 October 2024The image was initially published during the June 2024 anti-government protests.·Published in·4 min read·Oct 4, 2024Follow UsLike UsEmail UsWhatsApp UsEnglishKenyaShort FormWritten by PesaCheck5.8K Followers·Editor for FollowMore from PesaCheck and PesaCheckFALSE: These aren’t bodies of congregants burnt by a pastor in DRCThe image shows casualties of a fuel tanker explosion in Tanzania in 2019.Oct 20, 2023FALSE: Margarine is not similar to plastic and does not share 27 ingredients with paintPlastics are polymers and completely unrelated to anything in margarine.Apr 29, 20219FAUX : L’artiste français Dadju n’est pas mortDadju Djuna Nsungula, plus connu sous le mononyme Dadju, continue de mettre à jour ses différentes pages de médias sociaux et a annoncé…Jan 28, 2022FALSE: This image is not of a pro-Palestine billboard in Chicago, USAThe image is of a pro-Palestine billboard in Tunisia.Nov 16, 20232See all from PesaCheckSee all from PesaCheckRecommended from MediumIt is Now Official, Israel Plans to Implement a Final Solution with Genocide By Starvation and…Israel plans to depopulate North Gaza and annex it as a buffer zone, creating an opportunity for predatory capitalists and Zionists like…Oct 161664Show more...
FAKE: This digital card is not from Tuko.co.ke
The publication and the DCI have disowned it.
This digital card on X( formerly Twitter) purportedly from Tuko.co.ke with a news alert claiming that Catholic Priest Father Charles Kinyua has been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is FAKE.
“It’s getting personal,” reads the post.
The card claims Father Kinyua has been summoned over accusations of disparaging President William Ruto in a viral sermon on thieves.
The graphic was shared after Father Kinyua held a viral service where he preached against the illegal acquisition of wealth.
To confirm the card’s authenticity, Ghetto Radio checked Tuko’s Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts where such graphics are published, but we did not find the one being investigated.
On 13 October 2024, Tuko.co.ke disowned the card.
“We’ve noticed false information circulating on social media, claiming to be from us. Please note, if it's not on our verified social media platforms, it's NOT from us. Stay informed and trust only official sources!” the digital publication said.
The DCI also flagged the card.
Ghetto Radio examined a digital card on X purportedly from Tuko.co.ke claiming that Father Charles Kinyua had been summoned by the DCI and found it to be FAKE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FAKE: This digital card purportedly quoting MP Ndindi Nyoro isn’t from Nairobi Leo
Both the MP and the media outlet have termed it fake.
This digital card shared on Facebook with Nairobi Leo branding and purporting to quote Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro is FAKE.
The purported quote reads: “ As a nation we must, as the chair of Budget Committee, I can say we’ve yet to deliver on many of the promises in our PLAN, and the economy is still in recovery. Our President, even while in America, acknowledges the immense effort he is putting in to meet the expectations of the people. The current political tensions and call for Gachagua’s impeachment will only harm our economy further.”
The digital card was shared amidst a push for impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over claims of undermining President William Ruto.
At the time the card was posted, Ruto was in New York, USA, for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
To confirm the card’s authenticity, Ghetto Radio reviewed Nairobi Leo’s Facebook, Instagram and X account, but didn't find the card in question.
On 24 September 2024, the publication flagged the card and termed it fake.
The legislator also flagged the card and urged Kenyans to disregard it.
Ghetto Radio investigated a digital card shared on Facebook with Nairobi Leo branding and purporting to quote MP Ndindi Nyoro and found it to be FAKE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FAKE: This digital card isn’t from Tuko.co.ke
The publication has disowned the card.
This digital card shared on X (formerly Twitter) purportedly from Tuko.co.ke, is FAKE.
The card supposedly quotes Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) director Esther Ngari. The text on the card reads: “Tusker beer is killing Kenyan men’s sperm count.”
To confirm the card’s authenticity, Ghetto Radio checked KEBS’ official Facebook and X accounts, but there was no such information.
On 20 September 2024, KEBS, through a statement on Facebook, disowned the card.
Ghetto Radio also checked Tuko.co.ke’s Facebook, X and Instagram where such graphics are published, but didn’t find the one in question.
On September 20, the publication distanced itself from the card, terming it ‘fake’.
“We are aware of accusatory posts currently circulating with the TUKO.co.ke logos. Please note that these claims are false and should be completely ignored. Any information not shared through our official TUKO.co.ke social media platforms should be considered fake. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest journalistic standards, ensuring all facts are verified before publication,” the publication said.
Ghetto Radio examined a digital card shared on X purportedly from Tuko.co.ke and found it to be FAKE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
ALTERED: This isn’t Daily Nation’s 3 September 2024 edition front cover
The authentic cover had a different headline.
This image shared on Facebook, supposedly of the Daily Nation’s 3 September 2024 edition front cover, is ALTERED.
The purported edition’s headline reads: “TSC bribes Kuppet SG to end tutor’s strike.”
The cover was shared after the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) ended a two-week strike after agreeing to a return to work formula with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
To confirm the cover’s authenticity, Ghetto Radio checked Nation Africa’s Facebook page and found a different cover for the 3 September 2024 edition.
The headline on the authentic cover reads: “Win-lose deal that ended tutors’ strike.”
The cover is also available on Nation’s e-paper platform.
Through a post on their verified Facebook page, Nation Africa disowned the cover in question.
The post reads, “FAKE NEWS ALERT! Please be advised that this front page doing rounds on social media is fake. #FakeNewsAlert.”
Ghetto Radio examined an image shared on Facebook, supposedly of the Daily Nation’s 3 September 2024 edition front cover and found it to be ALTERED.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FAKE: This press statement isn’t from Adani Group
The Indian firm has denounced the press release.
This press statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) purportedly from Adani Group, is FAKE.
“Incase you are wondering why the government wants the Adani deal to go on here is why,” reads the post.
The statement dated 10 September 2024 claims that Adani Group has expressed concerns over threats of protests against their projects in Kenya, and warned of consequences for those taking part in protests against them.
The statement further claims that the Group threatened to: “ reveal the names of government shareholders who have benefited from our investments… we will also publish the names of individuals who have received substantial bribes from our company.”
The document was shared amid protests by airport workers over the proposed leasing of Kenya’s largest airport - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Although the statement has Adani logo, it does not appear on the group’s X account, Facebook page and website.
On 16 September, Adani Group disowned the statement and stated that it had not issued press releases in relation to Kenya.“We categorically state that neither the Adani Group nor any of its companies or subsidiaries have issued any press releases related to Kenya… Our official press releases are available on our website,” the statement reads in part.
The firm warned that it will take legal action against “anyone involved in spreading false narratives.”
Further, a Google search led to debunks by other media organisations that also found the document to be fake.
Ghetto Radio examined a press statement shared on X ( purportedly from Adani Group and found it to be FAKE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FAKE: This letter claiming lawyer Morara Kebaso is a member of Galck+ is fabricatedThe Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (Galck+) denounced the letter.
A post shared on X (formerly Twitter) with a letter purportedly from the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (Galck+) claiming lawyer Morara Kebaso is a member of the body is FAKE.
Galck+ is an umbrella body representing LGBTQ+ voices across Kenya.
The post reads, “Morara Kebaso sits on the board of The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK), an organization with values and actions that contradict traditional African family structures.”
The purported letter reads in part: “This letter is to confirm that Mr. Morara Kebaso is a Member of The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK). Mr. Kebaso actively supports our mission to promote and protect the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya.”
Through his social media platforms, Kebaso has become popular for documenting his visits to various sites across the country to assess the progress and authenticity of the Kenyan government’s development projects.
The letter in question is seemingly signed off by the coalition’s executive director, Njeri Gateru. Contrary to this, the Galck+ executive coordinator is Lorna Dias, while Gateru is the executive director at the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC).
The purported letter is not on the coalition’s official social media platforms or website. Instead, they denounced the letter in a Facebook post dated 5 September 2024.
“We, at galck+ distance ourselves from this laughable attempt at misinformation. Apparently, someone’s been busy crafting fake letters instead of tackling real issues, but we must give them credit for their creativity!” the post reads in part.
The post adds, “Let’s be clear: galck+ does not issue false documents or indulge in petty distractions. Our focus remains on protecting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya, and we will continue to do so with integrity and purpose. For real news (yes, the truth still matters), reach out to us through our official channels: info@galck.org or visit www.galck.org.”
PeasCheck has looked into a post shared on X with a letter purportedly from the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (Galck+) claiming lawyer Morara Kebaso is a member of the coalition and finds it to be FAKE.
This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.
By partnering with Facebook and similar social media platforms, third-party fact-checking organisations like PesaCheck are helping to sort fact from fiction. We do this by giving the public deeper insight and context to posts they see in their social media feeds.
Have you spotted what you think is fake or false information on Facebook? Here’s how you can report. And, here’s more information on PesaCheck’s methodology for fact-checking questionable content.
This fact-check was written by PesaCheck fact-checker Peris Gachahi and edited by PesaCheck senior copy editor Mary Mutisya and chief copy editor Stephen Ndegwa.
The article was approved for publication by PesaCheck managing editor Doreen Wainainah.
·Published in·4 min read·Sep 9, 2024
ALTERED: JKIA signage has not been rebrandedThe original image does not include Adani branding.
This image on Facebook showing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) signage purportedly changed to Adani Krishna International Airport has been ALTERED.
The image is a collage of two photos, one purportedly depicting JKIA’s entrance before William Ruto’s presidency and another with the signage ‘Adani Krishna International Airport’ supposedly after he assumed office.
The photo accompanies a post that reads: “SAD;JKIA is now an Indian airport,Kenya has no international airport anymore.”
The image has also been shared here following the planned takeover of Kenya’s largest aviation facility by the Adani Group in November 2024. The news of the alleged private deal caused controversy following weeks of protests over bad governance in the country. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union also protested against the Adani deal, which would see the company take over the airport’s operations.
However, the image does not accurately depict the airport’s entrance.
A comparison of the two images in the post shows that except for the signage, everything else — the cars, police officers pictured, and the angle at which the photo was taken — remains the same.
A further reverse search of the image bearing the Adani signage reveals no official record. Instead, as seen here, the search brings up the original image of the airport’s entrance, which only contains the JKIA signage.
Additionally, there are no reports of the signage being changed as of 4 September 2024.
A previous debunk by PesaCheck, where an altered version of the original photo had been used satirically, also established that the original image has been online since 2022.
PesaCheck has looked into an image on Facebook of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) signage purportedly changed to Adani Krishna International Airport and found it has been ALTERED.
This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.
By partnering with Facebook and similar social media platforms, third-party fact-checking organisations like PesaCheck are helping to sort fact from fiction. We do this by giving the public deeper insight and context to posts they see in their social media feeds.
Have you spotted what you think is fake or false information on Facebook? Here’s how you can report. And, here’s more information on PesaCheck’s methodology for fact-checking questionable content.
This fact-check was written by PesaCheck fact-checker Harriet Ogayo and edited by PesaCheck senior copy editor Mary Mutisya and chief copy editor Stephen Ndegwa.
The article was approved for publication by PesaCheck managing editor Doreen Wainainah.
·Published in·4 min read·Sep 11, 2024
FAKE: This digital card purportedly quoting KeNHA’s director general is not from Kenyans.co.ke
KeNHA and the online publication have disowned the graphic.
This digital card with Kenyans.co.ke branding and purportedly quoting the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) director general Kung'u Ndung'u is FAKE.
“For every Shs.10 spent by motorists on the Nairobi Expressway, Shs.6 is paid to Mountain Hill Global - a company owned by Muhoho Kenyatta,” reads the quote on the card.
The Nairobi Expressway is a 27KM toll road from Mlolongo to the James Gichuru junction. It is managed and operated by Moja Expressway under a public-private partnership.Moja Expressway is incharge of the road and collects toll as a way of recouping the money used on the project.
Moja Expressway is scheduled to operate the road for a period of 27 years from its opening in 2022, after which it will hand back the road to KeNHA.
Ghetto Radio checked Kenyans.co.ke Facebook page and X account for the graphic but didn’t find it. Instead we found this post terming it as fake.
“This post did not emanate from our media house. We flag it as FAKE. For official communication from http://Kenyans.co.ke, always visit the official website and verified social media page,” Kenyans.co.ke posted.
KeNHA also flagged the card on its X account and Facebook page.
Ghetto Radio examined a digital card with Kenyans.co.ke branding and purportedly quoting KeNHA director general Kung'u Ndung'u and found it to be FAKE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FALSE: This image is not of Nithi Bridge on Meru-Embu highway
The photo is of Xuguang Expressway in China.
This Facebook post with a photo purportedly of Nithi Bridge is FALSE.
The post reads: “Nithi bridge Embu-Meru highway. Dangerous blackspot.”The accompanying image depicts vehicles on a road with high pillars.
Nithi Bridge is located along the Embu-Meru highway and is regarded as a blackspot owing to the number of lives that have been lost in the area.
The image was shared days after an accident occurred along the bridge leading to loss of lives and injuries.
To confirm the photo’s authenticity, Ghetto radio performed a Google reverse image search and established that the photo is of the Xuguang Expressway in China.
Xuguang Expressway connects Xuchang and Guangzhou cities in Southern China.
The claim has been previously debunked by PesaCheck and AFP who also found it to be false.
Ghetto Radio examined a Facebook post with a photo purportedly of Nithi Bridge and found it to be FALSE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
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This video on Facebook purportedly of President William Ruto embracing Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya is ALTERED.
The video shows people bearing the likeness of Tuya and Ruto embracing while a small group of people around them claps.
It is accompanied by a post that translates to: Why do you want to break the president’s marriage? Where is Rachel?”
The video has also been shared here, here, and here and comes after Ruto nominated Tuya for the defence cabinet secretary position. The nomination led to misinformation regarding the two, which PesaCheck debunked. There were also online attacks made against the Defence CS.
However, the video is not a true representation of events.
A reverse search of a screengrab from the video brings up an image of Ruto and Tuya that was circulated when she was first nominated as Environment CS in September 2022, as seen here, here, and here.
PesaCheck traced the image to August 2013, when Ruto and Tuya were captured in similar attire as the one in the purported video as seen here, here, and here. The images were taken during a homecoming ceremony for the then Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno and Narok Woman Representative Soipan Tuya.
Further, a review of the video shows unnatural movements of hands, deformed fingers and limbs, indicating that it was doctored. The inconsistencies can be seen on the hands and the glossy smooth finish on the video, which are characteristics of images and videos created using generative AI. A closer look at the video reveals artificial blurring in the background making the spectators look unreal. The people in the background in other versions of the image are also not the same as the one in the altered video and they are busy interacting with each other, not clapping as they watch Ruto and Tuya. Furthermore, the water body in the background is non-existent in the older version of the image.
A further review of the screengrab on AI image detector ‘Is it AI?’ found the probability of the image being AI generated at 81 per cent.
PesaCheck has looked into a video on Facebook purportedly of President William Ruto embracing Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and found it to be ALTERED.
This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.
By partnering with Facebook and similar social media platforms, third-party fact-checking organisations like PesaCheck are helping to sort fact from fiction. We do this by giving the public deeper insight and context to posts they see in their social media feeds.
Have you spotted what you think is fake or false information on Facebook? Here’s how you can report. And, here’s more information on PesaCheck’s methodology for fact-checking questionable content.
This fact-check was written by PesaCheck fact-checker Harriet Ogayo and edited by PesaCheck senior copy editor Mary Mutisya and chief copy editor Stephen Ndegwa.
The article was approved for publication by PesaCheck managing editor Doreen Wainainah.
PesaCheck is East Africa’s first public finance fact-checking initiative. It was co-founded by Catherine Gicheru and Justin Arenstein, and is being incubated by the continent’s largest civic technology and data journalism accelerator: Code for Africa. It seeks to help the public separate fact from fiction in public pronouncements about the numbers that shape our world, with a special emphasis on pronouncements about public finances that shape government’s delivery of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) public services, such as healthcare, rural development and access to water / sanitation. PesaCheck also tests the accuracy of media reportage. To find out more about the project, visit pesacheck.org.
PesaCheck is an initiative of Code for Africa, through its innovateAFRICA fund, with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie, in partnership with a coalition of local African media and other civic watchdog organisations.
Are they lying? Kenya’s 1st fact-checking initiative verifies statements by public figures. A @Code4Kenya and @IBP_Kenya initiative, supported by @Code4Africa.
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ALTERED: This video of President Ruto embracing Defence CS Soipan Tuya is fabricatedThe video was artificially generated.·Published in·4 min read·5 days agoFollow UsLike UsEmail UsWhatsApp UsEnglishKenyaShort FormWritten by PesaCheck5.8K Followers·Editor for FollowMore from PesaCheck and PesaCheckHOAX: This poster purportedly advertising jobs at USAID Kenya is fraudulentThe international development agency has disowned the poster.Jul 29FAKE: This Bloomberg article claiming former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has a 40% stake in…The publication’s reporter, Jason Schreier, distanced himself from the article.Dec 12, 20231FALSE: This image is not of Algerian hacker Hamza Bendelladj being executedBendelladj is still in prison and is set to be released on 6 July 2024.Jun 22HOAX: UNICEF is not running this cash promotion in UgandaThe United Nations humanitarian and development agency dismissed the promotion as fake.Mar 13See all from PesaCheckSee all from PesaCheckRecommended from MediumWhy is There a Propensity for Sexual Violence Against Women in India?Rape is the most common crime in India and in 2022 one woman was raped every 20 minutes. Prime Minister Naren
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A Facebook post advertising July/August 2024 Kazi Mtaani jobs is a HOAX.
“Over 18,000 Kazi mtaani jobs advertised by the national government.. Minimum of Form 4 certificate is required,” the post reads in part.
The post features a link to a Google Form asking interested parties to apply for the purported jobs.
According to the information on the form: “The 18,000 youth will be engaged in the Nationwide planting of over 60 billion trees in the coming months as directed by the president. The initiative absorbs youth for a 2-year contract that is renewable subject to the government objectives there in. The youth in Urban areas will be absorbed to the construction of Affordable Housing Units recently launched by the president and other government responsibilities and directives given.”
The purported positions are divided into two major categories: supervisors (4,000) and service officers (14,000). The deadline for applications is 9 August 2024.
Service officers must be responsible citizens with good conduct, a Form Four education (minimum C- or equivalent), and neat handwriting. Applicants must be residents of the sub-locations, aged 18 to 32, have a national ID, be fluent in Kiswahili, and be available from September 2024.
Supervisors must be aged 21 to 35, have a national ID, be fluent in the local language/dialect, and have good communication skills in English and Kiswahili. Leadership experience is an advantage. Candidates must have no criminal history, hold a diploma or degree, be able to work with little supervision and have good public relations skills.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed between 19–21 August at constituency headquarters.
Other requirements for all candidates include a KSh300 National Social Security Fund (NSSF) facilitation fee, which will be paid at the bank or via the M-PESA details provided. The bank transaction reference number or M-PESA transaction code is required to submit the form.
Applicants are also required to provide personal details, including name, contact information, ID number, and level of education, including primary and secondary school national exam grades.
Also known as the National Hygiene Programme (NHP), the Kazi Mtaani project is a government initiative that was started in April 2020 to cushion the most vulnerable people from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative was abolished in 2022 by President William Ruto. He, however, hinted at a return of the programme while on a development tour in Nakuru on 15 July 2024.
The purported advertisement does not appear on the State Department for Housing and Urban Development website or social media accounts.
To authenticate the claim, PesaCheck contacted Charles Hinga, the Principal Secretary State Department for Housing and Urban Development, and he dismissed it as “Fake”.
The National Youth Council Kenya also flagged the advert in question as fake in a Facebook post dated 1 August 2024.
The post reads in part, “Fake News Alert! It has come to our knowledge that some unscrupulous person,(s),out to con our youth of their scarce money, are circulating this poster purporting that they can recruit them into the Kazi Mtaani July/ August, 2024 intake.”
“Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy and National Youth Council Kenya wishes to confirm that this advert is FAKE, and we urge the Youth in particular, and Members of the Public in general, to disregard the advert and not fall prey it’s nefarious machinations,” the post adds.
The State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy also shared the fake news alert.
PesaCheck has looked into a Facebook post advertising July/August 2024 Kazi Mtaani jobs and finds it to be a HOAX.
This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.
By partnering with Facebook and similar social media platforms, third-party fact-checking organisations like PesaCheck are helping to sort fact from fiction. We do this by giving the public deeper insight and context to posts they see in their social media feeds.
Have you spotted what you think is fake or false information on Facebook? Here’s how you can report. And, here’s more information on PesaCheck’s methodology for fact-checking questionable content.
This fact-check was written by PesaCheck fact-checker Peris Gachahi and edited by PesaCheck senior copy editor Mary Mutisya and chief copy editor Stephen Ndegwa.
The article was approved for publication by PesaCheck managing editor Doreen Wainainah.
PesaCheck is East Africa’s first public finance fact-checking initiative. It was co-founded by Catherine Gicheru and Justin Arenstein, and is being incubated by the continent’s largest civic technology and data journalism accelerator: Code for Africa. It seeks to help the public separate fact from fiction in public pronouncements about the numbers that shape our world, with a special emphasis on pronouncements about public finances that shape government’s delivery of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) public services, such as healthcare, rural development and access to water / sanitation. PesaCheck also tests the accuracy of media reportage. To find out more about the project, visit pesacheck.org.
PesaCheck is an initiative of Code for Africa, through its innovateAFRICA fund, with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie, in partnership with a coalition of local African media and other civic watchdog organisations.
Are they lying? Kenya’s 1st fact-checking initiative verifies statements by public figures. A @Code4Kenya and @IBP_Kenya initiative, supported by @Code4Africa.
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HOAX: This post advertising Kazi Mtaani jobs is a shamThe National Youth Council Kenya flagged it as fake.·Published in·5 min read·Aug 13, 2024Follow UsLike UsEmail UsWhatsApp UsEnglishKenyaShort FormWritten by PesaCheck5.8K Followers·Editor for FollowMore from PesaCheck and PesaCheckHOAX: This poster purportedly advertising jobs at USAID Kenya is fraudulentThe international development agency has disowned the poster.Jul 29FAKE: This Bloomberg article claiming former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has a 40% stake in…The publication’s reporter, Jason Schreier, distanced himself from the article.Dec 12, 2023Show more...
FALSE: This digital card claiming NMG has sent employees home over MPox outbreak is fake
The publication has disowned it.
This Facebook post with a Nation digital card purporting that the Nation Media Group (NMG) has sent home its employees due to an MPox outbreak in the company’s office is FALSE.
The post’s caption reads, “ My lawd, so mpox could easily identify who is an intern and who is not? akufukuzaye akuanbii toka (he who casts you doesn’t tell you to go out),” reads the post.
The claim was shared at a time when Mpox cases have started being recorded in the country. The Ministry of Health reported two cases of Mpox as of August 23, 2024.
To confirm the card’s credibility, Ghetto Radio checked Nation’s X and Facebook page and established that the publisher flagged the card here.“FAKE NEWS ALERT. Please be advised that this card doing rounds on social media is fake,” Nation posted.
Further, the Ministry of Health also dismissed the claim and termed it fake.“Stop spreading misinformation about Mpox! Always rely on accurate information from trusted sources such as @MOH_Kenya. Let's work together to keep our communities informed and safe,” reads the post in part.
Ghetto Radio examined a Facebook post with a Nation digital card purporting that the Nation Media Group (NMG) has sent home its employees due to an MPox outbreak in the company’s office and found it to be FALSE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FALSE: This story on a female governor being fronted for deputy president position isn’t from The Star
The publication and the governor have flagged it.
This X (formerly Twitter) post with an image of the “Corridors of Power,” column on The Star newspaper, claiming that a female governor from Nyanza region is being fronted for the position of deputy president is FALSE.
The post reads, “Gladys Wanga is set to take the stage,her name is being considered as the next deputy president of Kenya when Rigathi Gachagua is impeached,viva!”
The article is accompanied by a photo of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, thus suggesting that she is the subject of the article.
The image was shared amid reports of an impending impeachment of Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.
To confirm whether the story is credible, Ghetto Radio checked The Star’s verified Facebook and X accounts, but did not find the purported story.Further, the story does not appear on their official segment of “Corridors of Power”.
On 5 August 2024, the publication distanced itself from the screengrab.
Ghetto Radio also reviewed Wanga’s X account and established that she distanced herself from the claim.
“False information spreads like wildfire, fueled by deceitful propaganda!” she posted.
Ghetto Radio examined a post on X that was purported to be a publication of The Star newspaper and found it to be FALSE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
FALSE: This photo isn’t of Kawira Mwangaza visiting Nyeri Governor’s
home in August 2024
The image was initially published on 26 November 2023.
This Facebook post with a photo claiming to show Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza visiting her Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga at his home on 15 August 2024 is FALSE.
The post features the two governors, Mwangaza’s husband Murega Baichu, a group of individuals, two goods and assorted food products.
According to the post, Governor Mwangaza visited Governor Kahiga with goodies, seeking the latter’s support during her impeachment motion.
“Last night Kawira Mwangaza visited Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga's home and took a series of ‘presents’ to solicit his assistance in garnering support from other governors and persuading senators to vote against her impending impeachment motion. The people of Meru deserve justice. Who will rescue us coz Senate is compromised,” reads the post dated 16 August 2024.
The image was shared a week after the Meru county Assembly impeached Governor Mwangaza for the third time. The Senate listened to her case and on 20 August 2024 upheld the assembly’s decision to impeach her. The High Court has, however, put the impeachment on hold pending the hearing and determination of a case challenging it.
But is the image from August 2024?
Google reverse image search produced results showing that the image was initially published by Governor Kahiga on his verified Facebook page on 26 November 2023.
According to the Nyeri Governor, the image was captured in November 2023 as he hosted a delegation from Meru County, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Central Region Economic Bloc.
According to Kahiga, the meeting was also graced by Nyeri leaders that include; Deputy Governor Kinaniri Waroe, Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Mukurweini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia, County Assembly Speaker, James Gichuhi and a group of Ward Representatives.
The Nyeri Deputy Governor and Woman Rep also shared posts confirming the above event.
Ghetto Radio investigated a Facebook post with a photo claiming to show Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza visiting her Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga at his home on 15 August 2024 and found it to be FALSE.
This fact-check was published by Ghetto Radio with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.
