International community angered by Kenyan government's comment on Raila
The Ministry of Foreign affairs had sent out information on Odinga that was later found to be false.
Recommended articles
The Ministry, which represents the country to the international community, used its verified Twitter account to publish that shamed NASA leader Raila Odinga.
The letter, purported to come from the a senior official of the United States federal government, supposedly advising an American NGO to withdraw funding for Odinga because he is fomenting violence and could cause instability in Kenya.
The author of the alleged letter, Johnnie Carson is a former Ambassador in Kenya, currently a senior advisor to the US president as well as being a member of the United States Institute of Peace.
ADVERTISEMENT
Immediately after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted the controversial letter, there was uproar as various parties complained that the letter was fake.
The alleged recipient of the letter, who is also the Executive Director of Vanguard Africa, Jeffrey Smith immediately reacted by criticizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Please avoid this con. Truly embarrassing for to stoop to this low level,” he tweeted.
Smith’s NGO later issued a formal statement where it clarified its relationship with Odinga and criticized those spreading the fake document.
Matin Stevis, who is a senior journalist working for the Washington Post stated, “Fabricated document. Do you know that by spreading fake news about the US you put foreigners in Kenya at risk? You’re a ministry! Smh”.
ADVERTISEMENT
The European Union observer mission also joined in, "spreading of rumours and fake news further erodes trust and creates uncertainty in an already deeply polarized environment."
The United States Institute of Peace has since issued a statement where they condemned the Kenyan government of spreading fake news.
“While the Institute cannot prevent such abuses, it of course opposes the use of forged documents that can only complicate the holding of credible, peaceful elections in any country,” the read from USIP read in part.
Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo was among users who complained over the tweet, prompting the ministry to delete it. No explanation or apology followed.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Next story