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Huge crowd is Brazilians waiting for pope, not Kenyans waiting for Odinga

A photo of an enormous crowd has been shared on Facebook with the claim it shows people from the Kibra constituency in Nairobi waiting for Raila Odinga, leader of Kenya’s opposition Orange Democratic Movement.

“Happening now. Kibra residents on the street waiting for His Excellency Enigma Raila Odinga......#Marigawelcometobetin,” the caption reads.

The constituency is set of a by-election on 7 November 2019 after Kibra member of parliament Ken Okoth died earlier in the year.

As the election campaign intensifies, political party supporters have taken to social media. But not all their posts can be trusted. 

In this photo, for example, the crowd is clearly on a beach – not “on the street”. And there are no large bodies of water near Nairobi. 


 

Vigil before 2013 papal mass


Using a TinEye reverse image search, we found the original photo on Reuters Pictures, a collection of the global news agency’s stock photography.

The photo is dated 27 July 2013 and credited to Brazilian photographer Sergio Moraes.

Its caption reads: “Catholic faithful camp out on Copacabana Beach to participate in an all-night vigil before Pope Francis gives mass to those attending World Youth Day, in Rio de Janeiro.” 

The crowd in the photo are people in Brazil waiting for the pope, not residents of Kibra waiting for Kenyan opposition leader Odinga. – Dancan Bwire
 


 

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