A viral graphic falsely claims that Raila Odinga congratulated Mahamoud Youssouf on winning the AUC chairperson election. However, the elections are scheduled for 15 February 2025, and the graphic shows signs of being a fake. Odinga’s political background and recent endorsement by President William Ruto have led to mixed reactions in Kenya, further complicating public perception. Fact-checking confirms the graphic’s inaccuracies, highlighting the need for careful media consumption.
Recent claims on social media assert that Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), has congratulated his opponent Mahamoud Youssouf of Djibouti for winning the election. However, these claims are unsubstantiated, as the AUC chairperson elections are scheduled for 15 February 2025, indicating that no such congratulatory message could have occurred prior to the elections.
The image circulating, which mimics the style of graphics from a Kenyan news outlet, features an image of Odinga. Nevertheless, it is evident that the graphic is fabricated, as it lacks the official logo and contains errors such as misspellings and design inconsistencies. True graphics from credible sources typically adhere to strict editorial standards, which this graphic clearly does not meet.
The political landscape in Kenya is currently dynamic, with Odinga recently receiving the endorsement of President William Ruto for the AUC position. Despite the improved relations following years of political rivalry, Odinga has faced backlash from some Kenyans who feel dissatisfied with government policies. This discontent has resulted in a concerted effort on social media to support his opponent, Youssouf.
Upon investigation, several indicators confirm that the graphic is misleading. The poor quality of the graphic and the absence of corroborating evidence from verified news sources underscore its falsity. Trusted news platforms have not shared this graphic, which typically follows a reliable posting style on their verified social media accounts. Thus, it is essential for users to remain vigilant against misinformation circulating online.
In conclusion, the viral graphic claiming that Raila Odinga congratulated his opponent is fabricated and misleading. The AUC elections are scheduled for 15 February 2025, and Odinga has not made such statements. The public is advised to scrutinize and verify information circulating on social media to avoid the spread of false narratives.
Original Source: africacheck.org
