Wetang’ula Urges Responsible Social Media Use to Combat Misinformation

Kenya’s Parliament Speaker Warns of Social Media Misuse at Local Funeral

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has issued a stern warning about the responsible use of social media, highlighting the growing threat of misinformation in Kenya’s digital landscape.

Speaking at a funeral service in Bungoma County on Wednesday, Wetang’ula addressed mourners gathered at Mukhaweli Primary School in Khalaba Ward to pay their respects to the late Patrick Wafula Makali, a retired educator and elder brother of Kanduyi MP John Makali.

“I called for responsible use of social media, cautioning against the spread of falsehoods and harmful rumours,” Wetang’ula stated during his address, which was later shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The Speaker’s comments come amid increasing concern about the spread of false information on social media platforms across Kenya, which has intensified in recent years as internet penetration rates continue to rise throughout the country.

Wetang’ula specifically addressed recent false reports claiming that Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi had died. “I clarified that the Kwanza MP Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi is alive and well, despite malicious online claims,” he emphasized.

This follows an earlier statement Wetang’ula made on December 4 on the floor of the National Assembly, where he informed lawmakers that Wanyonyi was receiving specialized medical treatment in India after spending about a month at Nairobi Hospital. “He is responding well to treatment,” the Speaker had assured parliament members.

The timing of Wetang’ula’s remarks is particularly poignant, as he himself is facing personal loss. Sources confirmed that the Speaker’s brother, James Mukwana, passed away on the same day as the funeral service.

During the somber gathering, Wetang’ula delivered condolences from President William Ruto to the Makali family, along with financial support from the Head of State, which he described as reflecting “the spirit of unity, compassion, and shared humanity that binds the nation.”

Beyond addressing the immediate concerns of misinformation, the Speaker took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to Bungoma County’s development aspirations. He encouraged local residents to remain focused on their collective goal of achieving city status for Bungoma, noting that such an achievement would require “collective effort, patience, and a clear vision for the county’s future.”

Kenya has experienced a significant increase in social media usage in recent years, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), WhatsApp, and TikTok becoming primary sources of information for many citizens. However, this digital transformation has brought challenges related to information verification and the rapid spread of unsubstantiated claims.

Media literacy experts have long warned about the potential societal harm caused by misinformation, particularly during sensitive periods such as elections, public health crises, or when concerning public figures.

Wetang’ula’s call for responsible social media use reflects growing concerns among Kenyan leaders about the impact of unverified information on public discourse and social cohesion. As one of the country’s most senior political figures, his intervention may signal increased attention to this issue from Kenya’s political establishment.

The incident highlights the broader challenge facing many African nations as they navigate the benefits and pitfalls of rapidly expanding digital communication platforms without comprehensive regulatory frameworks or widespread media literacy initiatives.