![Raila Odinga, Opposition Leader. PHOTO [COURTESY]](https://womankenya.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/images-1.jpeg)
Raila Odinga, Opposition Leader. PHOTO [COURTESY]
The original photo of Odinga does not contain UDA branding.
This image on X (formerly Twitter) showing opposition leader Raila Odinga wearing a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party-branded t-shirt and hat has been ALTERED.
Similar posts published on Facebook and YouTube, refer to Odinga as UDA’s Secretary General. UDA’s Secretary General is Cleophas Malalah. Odinga is the leader of ODM, which is part of the Azimio La Umoja opposition coalition.
The photo was shared on July 9, 2024, after Raila and President William Ruto supported calls for dialogue on issues affecting the country, which led to protests championed by the young people.
The image of Odinga in UDA-branded attire was published against the backdrop of mass protests that have rocked the country. Demonstrators are demanding more accountability from the government. The protesters are also against the current crop of leaders.
Therefore, the image may also have been intended to split the opposition by portraying Odinga as having entered into a deal with President Ruto. However, the image of Odinga in the UDA attire is not legitimate.
Woman Kenya Network (WOKN) conducted a reverse image search which returned a tweet on X containing the original image which shows Odinga wearing a Kip Keino-branded T-shirt. This image is sharp and has a watermark that reads “Nedyken”.
The original photo is credited to Nedyken, a photography agency owned by Kennedy Amungo. According to his profile, Amungo is a freelance journalist.
The original picture was captured during the Kipkeino Classic on May 08, 2022.The Nation Media Group also published the events of the day.
A similar photo was also flagged by Business Today on September 1, 2022 having been altered.
Further, there has been no announcement that Raila has joined the ruling UDA party.
This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Benjamin Imende and edited by Woman Kenya Editor, Aruna Museti.
This fact-check was produced by Woman Kenya Network, under the African Fact-Checking Incubator programme, with support from PesaCheck, Code for Africa’s fact-checking initiative, and the African Fact-Checking Alliance(AFCA).
Woman Kenya Network is a distinguished digital media company committed to advancing gender equality and promoting the equitable participation of women and girls in society.Launched in 2018, WOKN has grown into a fully-fledged digital media platform with a vibrant social media presence on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Our platforms have become a trusted and reliable source of information on gender-sensitive content covering diverse thematic areas including Politics, Climate, Peace and Security, Gender Justice, Health, Economic Empowerment, and SRHR as guided by SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. We use the media to advocate for gender equality, promote just portrayal, and amplify women’s voices in society.
