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Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s office has issued a stern warning regarding the proliferation of false information attributed to him on social media platforms, calling for public vigilance against such misinformation.
The Office of the 4th President released a statement on January 29, 2026, expressing concern over unauthorized posts misrepresenting the retired leader that have been circulating widely online, causing significant public confusion.
“We wish to remind the public that any official communication from the retired President or his office will only be disseminated through our established and verified channels: Office of the 4th President or the official Jubilee Party verified platforms,” the statement clarified.
Officials emphasized that these fabricated messages do not represent Uhuru’s views or positions on any matters, urging Kenyans to rely solely on verified communication channels for authentic information about the former president or the Jubilee Party.
The spread of misinformation has become particularly problematic as numerous social media accounts and posts have created an illusion of the former president’s active involvement in current political debates. Among the false claims circulating online are fabricated statements suggesting Uhuru has been holding political rallies in the Mt Kenya region and commenting on various economic and political issues facing the country.
These posts have gained traction despite no official statements being issued by Uhuru or his office, creating confusion about the former president’s current political stance and activities since leaving office.
“The office remains committed to ensuring that accurate information is shared promptly and promptly, so that the public is reliably informed,” the statement continued, highlighting the administration’s dedication to transparency and accurate communication.
The problem reflects a growing concern about digital misinformation in Kenya’s political landscape. Since the 2022 election that saw William Ruto succeed Uhuru as president, social media has increasingly become a battleground for political messaging, with fake news and manufactured statements becoming more sophisticated and harder for the average citizen to identify.
In their appeal, Uhuru’s office directly called on citizens to become active participants in combating the spread of false information. “We urge all citizens to exercise vigilance, verify information before sharing, and avoid amplifying falsehoods that erode public trust,” the statement read, adding that “the dignity of the Office of the 4th President of the Republic of Kenya remains paramount.”
This situation highlights the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age, where statements can be fabricated and widely shared within minutes, potentially damaging reputations and misleading the public about important matters.
Media literacy experts have pointed out that this phenomenon is not unique to Kenya, as former leaders across Africa and globally have faced similar challenges with unauthorized representations online. However, in politically sensitive environments like Kenya, such misinformation can have particularly destabilizing effects on public discourse and interethnic relations.
The warning comes at a time when Kenya’s political landscape remains fluid, with various alliances forming and dissolving ahead of future electoral contests. Political analysts suggest that fabricated statements attributed to a figure of Uhuru’s stature could potentially influence public opinion and political alignments, particularly in regions where the former president maintains significant influence.
Citizens are being encouraged to verify information through official channels before sharing content on social media platforms, and to report suspicious posts that claim to represent the views of the former president.
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14 Comments
It’s disheartening to see how easily misinformation can spread online. I hope this warning from the former president’s office helps to raise awareness and encourage Kenyans to be more discerning about the sources they trust.
It’s unfortunate that false information attributed to political figures has become such a widespread problem. I hope the public heeds this warning and relies only on official, verified sources when it comes to important issues and leaders.
This is a growing concern not just in Kenya, but globally. The proliferation of fake social media accounts and fabricated statements attributed to public figures is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Kudos to the former president’s office for taking a stand.
You’re right, this is a global problem that requires concerted efforts by governments, tech companies, and the public to combat. Fact-checking and media literacy will be key.
This is a good reminder of the importance of media literacy and fact-checking. With so much information circulating online, it’s crucial that we all verify the sources before believing or sharing anything, especially related to public figures and political matters.
Couldn’t agree more. Maintaining a healthy skepticism and critical eye when consuming news and information online is essential these days.
This is concerning news. Spreading misinformation and fake statements online can cause real harm. It’s important for the public to rely only on verified, official channels when it comes to information about political leaders and important issues.
Agreed. Fact-checking and being vigilant about the sources of information we consume online is crucial these days.
Kudos to the former president’s office for addressing this problem head-on. Fake statements and misinformation online can have real-world consequences, so it’s crucial that the public stays informed and relies only on verified sources.
Misinformation can be very damaging, especially when it involves high-profile individuals and political issues. I’m glad the former president’s office is taking steps to address this problem and urge the public to rely on verified channels.
I’m glad the former president’s office is taking this issue seriously and warning the public. Fake statements on social media can be very misleading and damaging. Kenyans should stick to verified channels for accurate information.
Absolutely. Social media platforms need to do more to combat the spread of misinformation as well.
This is an important issue that goes beyond just Kenya. The spread of fake news and false statements on social media is a threat to democracy and informed decision-making. I’m glad to see the former president’s office taking a proactive stance.
Absolutely. We all need to be more vigilant about verifying information, especially when it comes to political issues and public figures. Fact-checking should be a routine part of consuming news these days.