IN SHORT: A graphic bearing the logo of Kenyans.co.ke, a major news site in Kenya, shows the names of 40 people who allegedly instigated the deadly anti-government protests via social media. But it is just another fake graphic.
A graphic that has gone viral on Facebook shows the names of the “top 40 inciters” of the deadly anti-government protests in Kenya.
But according to the graphic, these alleged instigators did not physically show up at the protests on 16 July 2024.
The graphic is headlined: “THEY NEVER SHOWED UP ON THE STREETS.”
The list includes names of famous young Kenyans such as activists, comedians and influencers who have been openly critical of the government on social media.
The graphic features the logo of Kenyans.co.ke, suggesting that the Kenyan news outlet published it.
Users who posted the graphic accused the individuals named of leading young Kenyans into deadly confrontations with police while “chilling in their posh homes and making millions”. Others have called them “commercial activists”, suggesting that they are being paid to incite violence.
Kenya has been struggling to contain nationwide protests led by young people since 18 June 2024. The protests were sparked by an unpopular finance bill that included controversial tax hike proposals.
The demonstrations continued even after Kenyan president William Ruto withdrew the bill and sacked almost his entire cabinet. They have since shifted to demanding better governance and Ruto's resignation.
The anti-government protests have largely been mobilised on social media platforms and have led to dozens of deaths.
But is the graphic legit? We checked.
Fake graphic
Kenyans.co.ke often posts its graphics on its verified social media accounts, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). We scoured the accounts for the graphic and came up empty.
On 17 July, the media outlet posted the circulating graphic on social media, with the word “fake” printed in red.
“This post did not emanate from our media house. We flag it as FAKE. For official communication from Kenyans.co.ke, always visit the official website and verified social media page,” the news agency wrote.
The graphic is fake and should be ignored.
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