IN SHORT: Just a few months after elections, Kenya’s Kericho county has been the scene of a titanic leadership row. But one of those involved did not say his businesses were being sidelined by the county governor.
A Kenyan politician has reportedly claimed his businesses have been blacklisted by the government, suggesting politics is in play.
“My companies were awarded contracts through a competitive procurement process. It is sad to note that Gov Mutai has blacklisted my 3 companies and refused to pay me Ksh 201 M,” reads a quote on a graphic posted on Facebook.
The quote is attributed to Paul Chirchir, a member of the county assembly (MCA) in Kericho county. The graphic shows a photo of Chirchir and carries the logo of the Star, a Kenyan newspaper.
Dr Erick Mutai is the county’s governor. The graphic appeared after reports of a leadership dispute between county assembly members Chirchir and Vincent Tumbamei Korir, who both claim to be majority leader. In a letter, the governing United Democratic Alliance party later backed Korir as the majority leader after a failed takeover by Chirchir.
The graphic has been posted here and here.
But did the Star quote Chirchir as saying this?
If it’s not on our official pages, it’s fake
The Star has posted the graphic on its official Facebook and Twitter pages, stamped “FAKE”.
“Beware of FAKE news. If it's not on our official pages, it's fake! Visit http://the-star.co.ke for authentic news,” the newspaper said.
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