A graphic falsely quotes Governor Wavinya Ndeti, claiming that the Kikuyu community is untrustworthy and suggesting an alliance with President Ruto. This misinformation surfaced in the context of political maneuverings for the 2027 elections. The Star news outlet confirmed the graphic to be fake, underscoring the importance of verifying political statements to combat misinformation.
In the lead-up to the 2027 general elections in Kenya, a graphic falsely attributing a quote to Governor Wavinya Ndeti is circulating on social media. The graphic claims that Ndeti labeled the Kikuyu community as untrustworthy and suggested that forming a political pact with President William Ruto would be preferable. The misleading quote states, “These Kikuyus will betray Kalonzo, we are better off making a deal with Ruto. He is more trustworthy.”
Governor Wavinya Ndeti, elected on the Wiper Party ticket in August 2022, governs Machakos County, which is adjacent to Nairobi. Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Party and former Vice-President, is a prominent figure in the political landscape. The timing of the graphic’s circulation coincides with attempts among opposition politicians to unify against President Ruto in the upcoming elections.
The political backdrop reveals tensions inherent in Kenya’s ethnic voting patterns, particularly involving the Kikuyu community, the largest ethnic group in the country. Rigathi Gachagua, a key political figure from the Mount Kenya region and a Kikuyu, has been accused of exacerbating ethnic divides, which played a role in his impeachment. The history of political betrayals, such as former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s support for Raila Odinga over Ruto, underscores the complex dynamics at play.
A verification of the contentious graphic reveals it to be spurious. The original creator, the news outlet the Star, maintains a verified social media presence. A comparison of the fraudulent graphic with authentic materials from the Star indicates significant differences, confirming its inauthenticity. On February 27, 2025, the Star explicitly stated, “This is FAKE and not from The Star, ignore.” Therefore, it is essential for the public to disregard the graphic and its misleading implications.
The article emphasizes the significance of discerning misinformation in politics, particularly regarding fabricated quotes that can incite ethnic divisions. It clarifies that the graphic attributed to Governor Wavinya Ndeti regarding the Kikuyu community is false and affirms the necessity for vigilance against misleading narratives in the context of the 2027 elections. Citizens must rely on verified sources and confront false information to foster informed political discourse.
Original Source: africacheck.org
