What seems to be a resignation letter by Hassan Joho, deputy leader of Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement opposition party, has received almost instant attention on Facebook.
The letter, posted by several users on 15 October 2020, is headed “Resignation as deputy party leader” and addressed to party leader Raila Odinga.
“I believe during my tenure, I served you and the party members diligently including organising for campaigns in different parts of the country including catering for expenses even as the party was experiencing tough economic times,” it reads.
“It has been a learning experience for me and I do hereby tender my resignation as your deputy with a hope that you will give the youth another chance and also encourage divergent voices in how operations and relations in the party are carried.”
Data from CrowdTangle, Facebook’s insights tool, shows that the letter has been shared with groups and pages with thousands of followers.
But is it real?
No credible news outlet has reported Joho’s resignation, even though it would have been a major political move.
And on the day the letter appeared, the Orange Democratic Movement posted it on the party’s verified Twitter account – stamped “FAKE NEWS”.
“We thrive in truth...fake news ain’t our thing,” the party tweeted.
Joho, the governor of Mombasa County, also tweeted that the letter was fake. – Dancan Bwire
The letter, posted by several users on 15 October 2020, is headed “Resignation as deputy party leader” and addressed to party leader Raila Odinga.
“I believe during my tenure, I served you and the party members diligently including organising for campaigns in different parts of the country including catering for expenses even as the party was experiencing tough economic times,” it reads.
“It has been a learning experience for me and I do hereby tender my resignation as your deputy with a hope that you will give the youth another chance and also encourage divergent voices in how operations and relations in the party are carried.”
Data from CrowdTangle, Facebook’s insights tool, shows that the letter has been shared with groups and pages with thousands of followers.
But is it real?
‘Fake news ain’t our thing’
No credible news outlet has reported Joho’s resignation, even though it would have been a major political move.
And on the day the letter appeared, the Orange Democratic Movement posted it on the party’s verified Twitter account – stamped “FAKE NEWS”.
“We thrive in truth...fake news ain’t our thing,” the party tweeted.
We thrive in TRUTH... FAKE news ain’t our thing #TukoPamoja pic.twitter.com/8zaGXIotMW
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) October 15, 2020
Joho, the governor of Mombasa County, also tweeted that the letter was fake. – Dancan Bwire
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