Listen to the article
Misinformation Floods Social Media Following Raila Odinga’s Death
Kenyan political titan Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025, sparked an immediate wave of misinformation across social media platforms, with manipulated images, AI-generated content, and repurposed footage spreading rapidly amid national mourning.
Odinga, 80, who was fondly known as “Baba” (father) to his supporters, died from cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in Kerala, India. His body was repatriated to Kenya where President William Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period.
The veteran opposition leader’s remains lay in state at parliament, followed by public viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu before his burial on October 19 at his family homestead in Bondo, western Kenya. The state funeral service in Nairobi drew African dignitaries and was conducted with full military honors.
Throughout the mourning period, at least five people died and dozens were injured in crowd surges during various memorial events, underscoring the deep emotional connection many Kenyans had with the political leader.
Born to Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila Odinga spent much of his early political career either in detention or exile for opposing President Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule. He later became a key figure in Kenya’s transition to multiparty politics in the 1990s.
A five-time presidential candidate, Odinga served as prime minister in a power-sharing government from 2008 to 2013 following the disputed 2007 election that triggered violence resulting in more than 1,100 deaths.
Surge in False Claims
Within hours of Odinga’s death announcement, false claims began circulating online. One widely shared video supposedly showing Odinga’s final moments depicted him lying on a hospital bed as staff covered him with a white sheet.
AFP’s investigation revealed this was actually an animated version of a 2017 photo published by local news outlet Nation. The original image showed Odinga during a brief hospital stay for dehydration following campaign rallies in Kilifi County.
The animation showed clear signs of AI manipulation, including visibly deformed fingers on a medical attendant and the sudden appearance of a pocket on a T-shirt – telltale indicators of artificial intelligence generation.
Another clip falsely identified a woman in a red dress as Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, supposedly mourning at their rural home in Bondo. Contrary to this claim, Mrs. Odinga was at their Karen home in Nairobi when news of her husband’s death broke, and only arrived in Bondo on October 18.
Additional footage misrepresented as showing mourners in Kisumu was actually from 2019 protests in Haiti, as confirmed by matching video published by France 24 and the Associated Press at that time.
AI-Generated Images Fuel Confusion
Perhaps most concerning was the spread of completely fabricated images created using artificial intelligence. One widely shared image supposedly showed a large crowd at a nighttime vigil in Kisumu with a Swahili banner reading “Baba we love you.” Another claimed to show an aerial view of a packed Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu during the public viewing.
Both images originated from a TikTok account specializing in AI-generated content. The actual Jomo Kenyatta stadium’s structure differs significantly from the falsified image, with clear differences in shape, roofing, and number of entry points, as confirmed by legitimate aerial footage from Kenyan media.
The rapid spread of these falsified materials highlights the growing challenge of misinformation during major news events, particularly when heightened emotions may lead people to share content without verification.
Kenya’s media outlets worked to provide accurate coverage of the mourning events, while fact-checkers raced to identify and debunk the most viral pieces of misinformation circulating on social platforms.
The phenomenon reflects a broader global trend of AI-generated content and manipulated media spreading during significant news events, creating additional challenges for citizens seeking accurate information during moments of national importance.
Verify This Yourself
Use these professional tools to fact-check and investigate claims independently
Reverse Image Search
Check if this image has been used elsewhere or in different contexts
Ask Our AI About This Claim
Get instant answers with web-powered AI analysis
Related Fact-Checks
See what other fact-checkers have said about similar claims
Want More Verification Tools?
Access our full suite of professional disinformation monitoring and investigation tools
12 Comments
The widespread misinformation surrounding Odinga’s death is deeply troubling. Fact-based reporting and open dialogue are crucial to maintaining trust and honoring the memory of this influential leader.
I agree. Responsible media coverage and digital literacy efforts will be key to combating the proliferation of false claims and ensuring the public receives reliable information during this time of national mourning.
Sad to hear about the passing of Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics. His legacy and impact will be long-lasting. It’s concerning to see misinformation and false claims spreading during this difficult time.
Agreed, the mourning period should be marked by facts and respect, not misinformation. Responsible reporting and open dialogue are crucial during times of national loss.
Odinga’s passing is a significant loss for Kenya, and it’s unfortunate to see the mourning period marred by misinformation. Accurate reporting and transparency will be essential to preserving his legacy and providing closure for the Kenyan people.
It’s disheartening to see misinformation and manipulated content spreading during this sensitive time. Responsible media coverage and fact-checking will be crucial to honor Odinga’s legacy and provide accurate information to the public.
Exactly. Transparency and integrity in reporting are essential, especially for significant political figures. The public deserves the truth, not fabricated narratives, during periods of national mourning.
The large crowds and emotional outpouring during the mourning period underscores Odinga’s deep connection with the Kenyan people. However, the tragic loss of life is very concerning and highlights the need for better crowd management protocols.
Good point. Event organizers and authorities must prioritize public safety during high-profile state funerals and memorial services. Proper planning and crowd control measures could have prevented these tragic outcomes.
Raila Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, and his passing will undoubtedly leave a significant void. It’s important that his life and contributions are remembered accurately, without the distortion of misinformation.
This highlights the challenges of controlling the spread of misinformation, especially on social media. Fact-checking and media literacy efforts will be crucial going forward to combat the flood of false claims.
Absolutely. Governments and social media platforms must work together to quickly identify and remove misinformation, while also empowering citizens to be more discerning consumers of online content.