This tweet bears an image with a caption claiming that Raila Odinga joined the demonstrations on March 20, 2023, at 1:08 pm. The author alleges that one of the people in the photo is the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM party leader, Odinga, leading the march to State House. More tweets bearing the same caption and image were also shared from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on the same day.
Background
Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Senegal all called for mass demonstrations on March 20, 2023. It was not business as usual in some parts of the country as police engaged protestors in running battles. Police were deployed in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), State House Road, and the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).
Verification
At the time the tweet was posted, Raila Odinga, and Kalonzo Musyoka among other Azimio One Kenya leaders were held up at the Serena Hotel. After they left the hotel, they went to Nairobi’s Eastlands area where they addressed the public. The motorcade did not make its way to Nairobi’s CBD.
A Google reverse image search reveals that the image was indeed taken on March 20, 2023. However, the crowd was led by Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo and not Raila Odinga as claimed. See the screengrab below;
Verdict
Claims that the image shows Raila Odinga leading the march to State House on March 20, 2023, are FALSE.
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