IN SHORT: There appears to be an increase in fake graphics online that use the branding of credible news outlets to falsely portray opposition politicians as supporting Kenyan president William Ruto’s leadership. We expose one of those graphics, which should be disregarded.
A graphic attributing controversial remarks to Cleophas Malala, the interim deputy leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is attracting attention on social media.
The party was founded by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and unveiled on 15 May 2025. Gachagua intends to use the DCP to challenge Kenyan president William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
In the graphic, Malala appears to suggest that Ruto has performed exceptionally well since taking office in 2022 and urges Kenyans to support him.
“President Ruto has walked the talk. From affordable housing projects that give dignity to Kenyans, to UHC through SHA that makes healthcare accessible, we see real progress. The Hustler economy is alive, and we must stand firm behind this transformation,” the graphic reads.
It features an image of Malala and the branding of Tuko.co.ke, implying that the popular Kenyan news website published it.
The affordable housing programme is an initiative by Ruto’s government, aimed at providing decent and affordable housing to low and middle-income households. Under the programme, the government plans to build 200,000 affordable housing units annually.
Universal health coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that everyone has access to the health services they need without struggling to pay for them. Ruto’s government aims to achieve this through the Social Health Authority, or SHA, a flagship health scheme under his administration.
Gachagua served as Kenya’s deputy president from 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024, after falling out with Ruto. Since then, their relationship has worsened, with Gachagua becoming a staunch critic of Ruto’s administration.
Gachagua has mobilised opposition leaders to unite behind a single candidate to challenge Ruto in the 2027 election.
But has Malala shifted his allegiance? We checked.
Fake graphic
Kenyan media often provide extensive coverage of statements by prominent government and opposition figures, as well as any political realignments involving them. Had Malala actually made this remark, it would have sparked conversations about unity among the opposition. However, Africa Check found no reports of this specific claim in any credible news sources.
We closely examined the graphic and found that it does not conform to the site's usual house style. For instance, when we compared the font used in the circulating graphic with that of an authentic one, we noted significant differences. That’s a clear red flag.
Tuko.co.ke usually posts its graphics on its verified social media accounts, including Facebook and X. Africa Check searched these platforms and found no trace of the graphic.
We found no credible evidence to support the claim that Malala made this remark.
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