In a reply (archived here) to a tweet posted by Martha Karua on September 6, is a claim that Martha Karua targeted derisive remarks toward President William Ruto. A similar image is also attached to a reply (archived here), this time bearing the Citizen TV logo next to the name: Kenya Max News.
The image bears the quote “I laugh when I see Ruto praying, what kind of God listens to a thief who thinks he is deputy Jesus. What kind of God listens to a thief’s teary prayers. Any God that answers Ruto’s prayers, I Martha will not believe in Him.” attributed to Martha Karua.
The image was also shared (archived here) by a Twitter account bearing the name Hon Sharleen Wambui, containing the logo of Meru Daily News and here (archived here) with the Citizen TV logo.
Background
The results of the 2022 general elections were announced by the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Wafula Chebukati on August 15, six days after Kenyans went to the polls. William Ruto was announced winner of the Presidential polls amid dissent from some commissioners within the IEBC and rejection of the results by the Azimio La Umoja team, led by Raila Odinga.
The latter filed a petition at the Supreme Court seeking to have the elections nullified. The petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court thus upholding the election of Ruto as President-elect. In a tweet containing a statement by Raila Odinga, the Azimio team said that they accept the petition outcome but do not agree with it. This was followed by a tweet by Martha Karua stating: The court has spoken. I respect but disagree with the findings.
Verification
Piga Firimbi could not find the page of Kenya Max News online which appears to be the source of the claim. However, the use of the Citizen TV logo raises suspicion.
In another image, as seen, it appears to be sourced from Meru Daily News. While Piga Firimbi found Meru Daily News on Facebook and Twitter, there was no such post on their pages. Piga Firimbi reached out to Meru Daily News who disowned the alleged post.
The claim was also debunked by The Star newspaper here.
Verdict
The tweet claiming to show Martha Karua mocking Ruto for praying is FAKE.
This fact-check was produced by Africa Uncensored with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck, African Fact Checking Alliance network and the United Nations Development Programme.
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