IN SHORT: Ahead of the 2027 elections, Kenya’s former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has been the target of several false claims. This fake front page claims that he blames his political ally Kalonzo Musyoka for an unfriendly welcome in Musyoka’s home region. But there is no evidence for this.
“Wamunyoro points finger at Kalonzo allies over Ukambani heckling,” reads what appears to be the front page of Kenya’s Standard newspaper circulating on social media.
According to the summary, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua was heckled during his visit to the Ukambani region, suggesting he is struggling to gain popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The front page, dated 7 June 2025, refers to Gachagua as Wamunyoro, his childhood home in Nyeri county.
Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Gachagua and other politicians have formed an alliance to face president William Ruto in the elections. Musyoka, who is from the Kamba community, has a significant influence on how the region votes.
The front page has also been posted here and here. But is it legitimate? We checked.
Front page is fake
Africa Check accessed the Standard newspaper archive to confirm the front page from 7 June. Contrary to the suggestion of the circulating front page, the genuine newspaper headline from that issue is not “Wamunyoro points finger at Kalonzo allies over Ukambani heckling”.
The Standard posted the original front page for 7 June on its verified Facebook page with the headline: “America’s implosion.” The story was about US president Donald Trump’s falling out with billionaire Elon Musk.
In May 2025, Gachagua and Musyoka travelled across the Ukambani region accompanied by other opposition politicians, holding anti-government rallies.
Musyoka even welcomed Gachagua to his home in the local Mwingi area, signifying their political alliance was still intact. These events contradict the claims that Gachagua is dissatisfied with Musyoka and his allies.
Africa Check could not find any evidence that Gachagua received an icy reception, or that he was given anything but a warm welcome in Musyoka’s home region of Ukambani. The circulating front page is fake.
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