Attached to this post on X is an image allegedly from the Kamukunji market on July 19, 2023. The author claims that it was business as usual in the market amid demonstrations in various parts of the country.
Background
On July 13, 2023, the opposition announced 3-day demonstrations beginning on July 19, 2023. They called on Kenyans to join them on the streets to push the government to lower the cost of living. Businesses were closed in various parts of the country during the demonstrations. The Kenya Private Sector reported that Kenya lost three billion daily during the protests.
Piga Firimbi previously debunked an image allegedly of Luthuli Avenue during the demonstrations here.
Verification
A Google reverse image search reveals the image is from February 28, 2023. The shot by The Star’s Winnie Wanjiku was attached to an article reporting on the effects of China Square on the market. The usually congested streets along the Kamukunji Market were unusually decongested after some of their clients went to get their wares from the China Square shopping center.
Verdict
The alleged image of the Kamukunji market is NOT from July 19, 2023.
This fact check was published by Piga Firimbi with technical support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck newsdesk, through the African Fact-Checking Alliance (AFCA).
Add comment