This X (formerly Twitter) post with a video showing protestors purportedly chasing Nigerian soldiers in Kaduna is false.  

The video, which was posted on August 6, 2024, shows officers in uniform running from a group of people pelting them with stones. 

The accompanying post reads: “Soldiers on the run as protesters pursue them with stones in Kaduna. Truth be told, Nigeria has the most civil soldiers globally. The way some people are behaving as if they have two lives is scary.”

It is accompanied by the hashtag “End Bad Governance in Nigeria.”

The video was shared amid protests in Nigeria where thousands of people took to the streets to demonstrate over the high cost of living and rising insecurity, taking inspiration from protests in Kenya. 

WOKN conducted a reverse image search on a screengrab from the video which revealed that the said video was posted by Jackson Njeru, who published it on his Facebook and TikTok accounts on July 4, 2024, following Kenya’s protests over the contested Finance Bill. According to Njeru’s post, the incident occurred in Emali, Makueni County, Kenya. 

Further, the uniforms worn by the officers in the video do not belong to the Nigerian army. Hundreds of police officers and security personnel who were deployed in major cities across Nigeria to quell the demonstrations had black camouflage uniforms, often complemented with black berets or caps. 

On the other hand, Kenyan police who were deployed to manage the demonstrators, and other police units wear camouflage and tactical gear, with red berets for identification.

Additionally, the number plate of the truck ferrying the officers starts with GKB, an indication that it is a Kenyan government number plate. 

Nigeria-based fact-checkers’ Fact-check hub also flagged the video as false.

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Veronica Ondere and edited by Woman Kenya Editor William Bulemi.

This fact-check was produced by Woman Kenya Network (WOKN) under the African Fact-Checking Incubator program, 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.

The post FALSE: This video is not of Nigerian soldiers running away from stone-throwing protesters appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Karua criticized President William Ruto’s administration for reintroducing parts of the rejected Finance Bill 2024. She warned that these actions could spark nationwide protests again. Karua condemned the arbitrary arrests, abductions, and killings carried out by police during the protests, demanding that those responsible face justice.

She urged Kenyans to stay vigilant and resist any attempts to bring back controversial elements of the Finance Bill, such as the fuel levy. Karua accused President Ruto of using fear, intimidation, and the suppression of dissent as tools to crush opposition.

“We will submit this statement and more details as a formal complaint to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Human Rights Commission, and other relevant organizations. Kenya must uphold the rights contained therein,” Karua said.

She questioned the fate of over 50 people who have gone missing since June 25th, asking whether they were dead or alive. Karua vowed not to stay silent, asserting that silence would make them complicit in the betrayal.

Karua blasted the government for disobeying court orders, including the use of lethal force during demonstrations, despite a court order prohibiting such actions.

She hinted at a possible return to street protests on August 27th to mark 14 years since the Constitution of Kenya 2010 was promulgated. Karua emphasized that authorities must follow the law when handling protests.

“As we approach the 14th anniversary of the promulgation of our Constitution on August 27th, we must reflect on how far we have strayed from its promise,” Karua said.

Karua also slammed the government’s plan to enter into a public-private partnership with the Adani Group for the rehabilitation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). She raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the deal and questioned how it would benefit Kenya.

“It’s the same script the regime is using to gift the Adani Group our main gateway, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. I say ‘gift’ because this is surrounded by secrecy, and no one knows what benefit Kenya will get,” she added.

The post Karua Threatens to Move to International Courts Over Anti-Government Protests, Slams Finance Bill and JKIA Deal appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

During the event, hosted by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, the Machakos County Government showcased various ongoing projects. The female governors also observed Ndeti’s extensive empowerment program for marginalized communities and praised her strong working relationship with Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi.

The G7 Strategy seeks to rally support from Kenyans for the re-election of current female governors and for deputy governors planning to run for governorship in 2027. Waiguru emphasized the collective vision to see 24 female governors elected in the upcoming elections, along with an increase in women holding parliamentary positions.

The strategy involves engaging women at the grassroots level, focusing on leadership and empowerment, and tailoring approaches to local contexts. Waiguru highlighted the importance of these efforts, noting that women at all levels play a crucial role in the country’s decision-making processes.

Other prominent leaders, including Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika attended the event.

The post G7 Strategy Launched in Machakos: Female Governors Unite to Boost Women’s Leadership Ahead of 2027 appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Crystal Asige, who has been in the Senate for two years, stands out for her success in sponsoring and passing significant legislation. Among her key achievements was the Startup Senate Bill, which is lauded for its potential to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape in Kenya by providing a supportive framework for startups.

Asige’s inclusion in the top ranks demonstrates her commitment to addressing pressing national issues through innovative legislative solutions. Her work in the Senate has not only garnered attention but also positioned her as a leading voice among lawmakers advocating for sustainable economic growth.

The Timely Kenya study also places Asige alongside other prominent senators, including Nandi County’s Samson Cherargei, who is noted for the Employment Bill, and Homa Bay’s Moses Kajwang, recognized for the County Boundaries Bill. These senators, along with Asige, have been instrumental in shaping key policies that impact various sectors across the country.

Additionally, Asige is among the senators with the most motions in the House, reflecting her active engagement in Senate debates and discussions. This level of participation is mirrored by other top-performing senators such as Busia County’s Okiya Omtata, who leads in the number of motions presented.

The study also highlights the overall public presence of senators, with Nairobi’s Edwin Sifuna, Okiya Omtata, and Richard Onyonka of Kisii County ranking high in this category. Despite this, Asige’s legislative impact remains a standout achievement, earning her a spot as one of the most active and effective senators in the country.

The post Crystal Asige Recognized as Top-Performing Senator with Most Bills Passed appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This video on TikTok claiming to show Kenyan members of parliament eating in the bush is false. 

The video was posted by a Nigerian TikTok user on July 6, 2024 and shows individuals  in suits eating in an open area surrounded by plantation. Text on the video reads:  “Last minute in Kenya! The parliamentarians take refuge in the bush for dinner🤣🤣”  while another caption at the bottom of the clip reads: “Kenyan members of the Parliament ran inside bush  for safety.

The video was also shared on Facebook and X(formerly Twitter).

The video was shared amidst anti-Finance Bill protests during which demonstrators stormed Parliament on June 25, 2024. Members of parliament, who were in session to vote on the contentious Bill, had to flee for safety as protestors breached the building. Chaos ensued as part of the structure was set on fire, and several protestors were shot outside Parliament.

However, it does not show Kenyan MPs eating in the bush in fear of protestors. 

To determine the authenticity of the footage, WOKN conducted a reverse search image through keyframes using InVid-WeVerify and found that the video was posted on June 1, 2024 by James Mbowe, a Tanzanian activist. The clip was captured during the burial of Francis Koka, father to Kibaha Mjini MP, Silvestry Koka, which Tanzanian legislators attended. The post was also shared on his Instagram account.

The post accompanied by a video of the legislators eating in a plantation translates to: ”Yesterday we participated in the Last Service of Elder Francis Koka (104), Father of Mr. Koka, Member of Parliament for Kibaha in the city.This ceremony was held in Mkolowonyi Marangu Village. Mzee Francis has finished his journey here on Earth at the age of 104. We are truly grateful to God for the gift of a long life to Mzee Francis. Who even in his old age was still sane. May God rest the soul of his servant in the right place Amen.”

WOKN investigated the video allegedly showing Kenyan members of Parliament hiding in a bush to escape Anti-Finance Bill protestors and found it to be false. 

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Trizah Mmwanda and edited by Woman Kenya Project lead Shadrack Agamira.

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.

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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.

The post  ALTERED: PHOTO OF OPPOSITION LEADER RAILA IN UDA T-SHIRT HAS BEEN ALTERED appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Tuya boasts over 18 years of legal experience. Her career began as a legal officer at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs from 2006 to 2008. She then transitioned to Kituo Cha Sheria, an NGO dedicated to representing the underprivileged, where she served as the acting Executive Director, Education Coordinator, and Legal Aid officer. Prior to her political career, Tuya worked at USAID as a land law and gender advisor.

In 2012, Tuya entered elective politics and won the Narok Woman Representative seat in 2013, serving in this role until 2022. She was notably the First Chairperson of the Speaker’s Panel in the 12th Parliament. In October 2022, Tuya made history as the first Maasai woman to be appointed as a Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.

During her tenure, Tuya achieved several significant milestones:

• Amendment of the Climate Change Act, 2016: Oversaw the amendment that facilitated the management of carbon markets and government advisories on carbon regulations.
• Organizing Major Climate Conferences: Played a pivotal role in organizing the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and Africa Climate Week (ACW), leading to the Nairobi African Leaders Declaration on Climate Change, known as The Nairobi Declaration.
• Facilitating International Cooperation: Secured approximately USD 26 billion for African climate projects and facilitated Kenya’s participation in various climate-related deals.
• Facilitating International Cooperation: Secured approximately USD 26 billion for African climate projects and facilitated Kenya’s participation in various climate-related deals.Disbursement of Investment Grants: Fast-tracked the approval and disbursement of Sh7.3 billion to 45 counties under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) Program.
• Establishment of Climate Change Units: Helped establish these units in all 47 counties.
• Tree Cover Initiative: Spearheaded the 15 billion tree cover initiative by 2032 and lobbied for November 13 to be declared National Tree Planting Day.
• Strategic Plan Launch: Launched the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2027, focusing on governance, conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, agro-forestry, and resource mobilization.
• Waste Management Initiatives: Planned the establishment of five pilot Material Recovery Facilities in various counties, though progress was hindered by financial constraints.

In addition to her achievements, Tuya has been honored with prestigious awards. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded her the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) on December 12, 2018. More recently, President William Ruto bestowed upon her the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2023.

On July 23, 2024, President William Ruto nominated Tuya for the position of Defence Cabinet Secretary. Her appointment will be subject to a vetting process scheduled to take place within 28 days. This nomination reflects her continued prominence in Kenyan politics and her dedication to public service.

The post Who is Roselinda Soipan Tuya? appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The award focused on the senator’s leading and inspiring role as a young woman with a disability in leadership.  Since her nomination, Asige has sponsored three Bills, including the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023, the Kenyan Sign Language Bill 2023, and the Startup Bill 2022.

Speaking at the award ceremonies, Asige said the recognition has motivated her to continue impacting Kenyans, especially women, and persons with disabilities.

“Resilience is crucial in any journey and anything important is worth waiting for. We, as women, have to remember it starts with us. If we don’t have the fuel and the fire that spurs us on, nobody around us will be persuaded by our push,” Senator Asige said.

The senator also recognized the power of the media in ensuring empowerment for women in the country by offering them a platform to voice their challenges and showcase their achievements to society, inspiring other women and girls to believe it is possible.

“As a Kenyan female senator, and the only Member of Parliament, with a visual disability, I believe in using the power of media to bring a lasting change in mindset. Through media, we can break down existing barriers and make positive changes in our society.”

Senator Asige continues to play a leading role in protecting women’s lives, having raised a notice of motion of adjournment on the increased killings of women and girls recently witnessed in the country on the floor of the Kenyan Senate and organizing for the same motion in the National Assembly, terming it as an urgent matter of national importance.

Speaking on Valentine’s Day, she called on all women in the country to wear black to mark the first Dark Valentine in Kenya, marked throughout the country with overnight vigils. She has also released a new song, Tattoo encouraging women to conceal their struggles with body art and soldier on.

Senator Crystal Asige, an award-winning musician, represents persons with disabilities and special interest groups in the parliament of the Republic of Kenya. She is also, a diversity equity and inclusion consultant, disability rights advocate, and inclusive mobility and transport practitioner.

She is a former Amnesty International Kenya board member, BBC-trained professional, published researcher, and blogger who graduated from the University of the West of England, Bristol.

The post SENATOR CRYSTAL ASIGE HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARD appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Addressing the nation in a televised speech on Saturday, Novak acknowledged her mistake, stating, “I decided to grant a pardon last April, believing that the convict did not exploit the vulnerability of the children whom he had overseen.”

“I am resigning my post,” Katalin Novak said, acknowledging that she had made a mistake. “I apologize to those who I hurt and all the victims who may have had the impression that I did not support them,” Katalin Novak added. “I am, I was and I will remain in favour of protecting children and families.”

Thousands of protesters gathered in Budapest, demanding her resignation after she pardoned individuals, including a children’s home deputy director involved in concealing the crimes of the former director.

Novak, a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, apologized to victims and their families but faced calls for resignation from Hungarian opposition parties. The resignation comes less than two years into her tenure as Hungary’s first female president.

The sexual abuse case

A massive controversy emerged after President Katalin Novak gave clemency to a man jailed for forcing children to retract sexual abuse claims, against a director of a state-run children’s home. 

The post WHY HUNGARIAN PRESIDENT RESIGNED WITHIN TWO YEARS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Born on March 28, 1996, Theofelus had previously served as a member of parliament and the deputy minister of ICT in Namibia. Her notable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she played a key role in public communication on preventative measures, earned her recognition.

Theofelus holds an LLB Honours Degree from the University of Namibia, a diploma in Business Management from Amity University, and a diploma in Afrikan Feminism and Gender Studies from the University of South Africa. Her achievements include being awarded a Laureate in the Individual Category of the United Nations Population Award in June 2022 and being named one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women in the World in 2021.

She is also an Amujae Leader 2023 under the mentorship of H.E Ellen Jonson-Sirleaf. She serves on the Boards of Africa REACH and NalaFEM and was nominated in the BBC’s top 100 Most Influential Women. The young minister has been an advocate for youth empowerment and sustainable development since 2009, championing the recognition of children’s rights in Namibia and collaborating with global youth organizations.

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