This post by an X(formerly Twitter) user claiming that angry Kenyan youth set ablaze the presidential private jet is false. 

The post, published on 1st July, 2024, reads: “KENYA’S JET SET ABLAZE BY RAMPAGING YOUTH. 

Angry Kenyan youth have burnt down a presidential private jet being used by their president. This is the shape of things unfolding in Africa. Amen.” 

The accompanying video was originally shared on TikTok and shows people torching a plane with the captions:  “Preparing the plane for burning,” “Kenya Protestors set Ruto’s jet on fire,” and #RejectFinanceBill2024.”

The video was also shared here and here.

The video was shared amidst widespread protests in the country over the Finance Bill and displays of opulence by members of President William Ruto’s government despite increasing the cost of living for Kenyan citizens.

Among the causes of outrage leading up to the protests was Ruto’s state visit to the US in May 2024. The trip sparked controversy in Kenya over the use of a private jet with the public expressing strong dissatisfaction over the amount spent on Ruto’s travel expenses. 

WOKN, however, established that the plane in question was not Ruto’s private jet.

Through a reverse image search on Google, WOKN found that the video was shot at Uhuru Park during the protests on 25 June 2024. Local media outlets and other social media users shared images and videos of the incident as seen here, here, here, here, and here confirming the incident took place at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Kenya.

A comparison of the burning plane VS the plane Ruto used during his visit to the US. 

Refurbished plane set ablaze at Uhuru Park 

Uhuru park underwent renovations under the guidance of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and among the new features added was a refurbished plane that was to be converted into a restaurant.

Additionally, Google Maps’ Street View further established that there is indeed a plane located at the park. 

Google Map view of re-modeled plane at Uhuru Park 

The park was later declared closed to the public until further notice following the protests. 

WOKN looked into the claim that the alleged President Ruto’s private jet was set ablaze 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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