DOCTORED: Image of Paul Mackenzie at a Prayer Meeting With Rachel Ruto

This image on Twitter claims to show controversial Kilifi-based pastor Paul Mackenzie and First Lady Rachel Ruto at a prayer meeting in Narok County.

Background

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie of the Good News International Church is currently in police custody after instructing his followers to starve themselves to death. 237 bodies have been recovered so far with over 500 others reported missing. The exhumation exercise has now stretched from Shakahola to the Tsavo East National Park. This case has caught international attention with President Ruto likening Mackenzie’s actions to terrorism.

Verification

A Google Reverse Image search on the image shows it was manipulated. The image was first shared on Rachel Ruto’s official Twitter account on January 22, 2023. The images were taken during a church service at Word of Faith Church Olalui in Kilgoris, Narok County. The man in the picture matches Mackenzie’s build and height. However, a keen look on the man’s face proves that the image was altered.

Verdict 

The image claiming to show Paul Mackenzie and Rachel Ruto together at a prayer meeting in Narok County is DOCTORED.

This fact-check was edited by Piga Firimbi Fact-Checking Editor Linda Ngari.