An image depicting the front page of the Financial Times dated February 20, 2025 posted on X by Hon. George Peter Kaluma, reads : “Why Kenya Still Tops in Africa Despite Loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) Chair.”
The image contains an article attributed to FT that highlights reasons why Kenya remains a leading nation in Africa despite its recent setback in securing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. It argues that while the AUC chair is a prestigious role, it does not solely determine Kenya’s regional and global influence. The article continues to assert Kenya’s dominance across various sectors, demonstrating resilience, strong leadership, and its strategic importance on the African continent.
Background
The Financial Times is a British daily newspaper printed in broadsheet and also published digitally that focuses on business and economic current affairs. The article in the image highlights Kenya’s economic leadership and resilience in Africa, showcasing its strength in agriculture, information and communication technology (ICTs), manufacturing, and services, which are the main contributors to the country’s GDP. The article also states that beyond the economy, Kenya maintains regional influence playing a key role in diplomacy, conflict mediation, and security cooperation, with contributions to peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and Somalia. It also explores Kenya’s leadership in climate action, citing its commitment to renewable energy sources and its role as host to UNEP in Nairobi.
The image was shared on the verified X account of Hon. George Peter Kaluma, the current Member of Parliament for Homa Bay Town Constituency. He is known for his vocal stance on legal and governance issues, often engaging in debates on constitutional matters and social policies. He serves as the Chairperson of Committees in the Kenyan National Assembly and a member of the Parliamentary Pensions Management Committee.
In February 2025, Raila Odinga, Kenya’s veteran opposition politician, sought the position of African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson. He however lost the election to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who secured 33 votes in the seventh round of voting. Raila Odinga’s bid was marked by extensive diplomatic efforts, including visits to at least 27 countries to garner support. However, various factors contributed to his loss, such as shifting allegiances among member states, linguistic blocs, and diplomatic miscalculations.
The article further highlights dominance in digital finance with M-Pesa revolutionizing fintech, e-commerce, and mobile technology, reinforcing its position as a key player in Africa’s digital economy. It states that on the global stage, Kenya secures strategic trade partnerships with major economies like the U.S., U.K., and China, while its membership in AfCFTA enhances market access.
Verification
The article in the image does not appear on the Financial Times website and on X, and there were no results matching the story about Kenya’s status after losing the AUC Chair. Comparing the alleged front page to verified FT editions from the same period revealed typographical differences, suggesting image manipulation.
The Original front page of the Financial Times shared on X and website for Thursday 20th February 2025 reads; “Trump calls Zelenskyy a ‘dictator’ in deepening rancour over Russia talks.”
Both pages have the same header reading ; “Will the treasury market bond on Trump ?” and “Europe must recognize Silicon Valley as a foe.” The page appears to have been digitally manipulated, reinforcing the need for fact-checking before sharing information online.
Verdict
The front page of the Financial Times shared by Hon. Peter Kaluma is FAKE.
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