Self-proclaimed prophet David Owuor will run for president in 2027. These front pages are completely fabricated.
Kenya’s Star and Standard newspapers didn’t report that prophet David Owuor will run for president in 2027 – beware of fake front pages
IN SHORT: Newspaper front pages attributed to two news agencies claim that Kenyan self-proclaimed prophet and preacher David Owuor will run for president in 2027. But the front pages are fake and should be ignored.
An image of what appears to be the front page of Kenya’s Star newspaper has been posted online with the headline: “Owuor: I will be the president 2027.”
The front page is dated 21 June 2024 and features a picture of Kenyan self-proclaimed prophet and preacher David Owuor.
The subhead reads: “Owuor to replace Raila as luo kingpin.” The Luo are a community in Kenya from which the former prime minister Raila Odinga hails.
Other examples of the same claim can be found here and here. These posts are attributed to Kenyan newspaper the Standard.
Kenya’s anti-tax protests saw president William Ruto withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Protesters have since called on Ruto to resign.
Discussions about who should be the next president if Ruto steps down have increased on social media platforms.
But did the two media houses report that Owuor will vie for the presidency in 2027? We checked.
Nothing but the facts
Fake front pages
Africa Check noticed that the front page allegedly from the Star was poorly done. The headline font is different to the one used by the Star, which we found unusual.
We looked through the Star’s front page archive and found a different one for 21 June. The authentic front page headline reads: “204 MPs vote Yes as demos hit major towns.”
On 21 June, the Star posted the circulating front page on its social media accounts, with the word “fake” printed in red.
“If it is not on our official pages, it is FAKE! Get the real copy by visiting http://mgazeti.com,” the publication said.
A search of the Standard’s archives also revealed a different front page for 21 June. The authentic front page is headlined: “Ruto, you betrayed us.”
The front pages and graphics circulating on social media are fake and should be disregarded.
The claims have also been made here, here, here, here, here and here.
