From Dispatch Room
Claims circulating on social media that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni urged Kenyans to support President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general election have been debunked as false.
According to a report by Africa Check, there is no evidence that Museveni made the viral statement attributed to him in a widely shared graphic online.
The graphic quoted Museveni as allegedly saying in Kiswahili: “Wakenya mkisimama na Ruto, Singapore mtafika mapema mbele yetu. Huyo kijana anachapa kazi,” which translates to: “Kenyans, if you stand with President William Ruto, you will arrive in Singapore sooner than us. That guy is working hard.”
The statement appeared to reference President Ruto’s frequent comparisons between Kenya’s economic ambitions and Singapore’s development model.
However, Africa Check said investigations found no credible evidence linking the quote to Museveni.
The fact-checking organisation noted that neither local nor international media outlets reported such remarks despite the Ugandan president’s statements typically attracting significant regional attention.
Africa Check also observed that the viral graphic failed to provide details about when or where Museveni allegedly made the statement.
“There are no links to any speech, or official communication backing the claim,” the report stated.
According to the organisation, the graphic appeared to have originated from a single online source and lacked verifiable attribution.
Africa Check concluded that all available evidence pointed to a fabricated quote designed to provoke reactions and exploit political tensions ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections.
President Ruto has repeatedly stated his intention to seek re-election in 2027 but continues to face criticism from opposition figures and some citizens over economic hardship, governance concerns and unfulfilled campaign promises.
The fact-check report also noted that opposition critics have mocked comparisons between Kenya and Singapore, arguing that corruption and economic challenges remain major obstacles to such ambitions.
Africa Check is a non-partisan fact-checking organisation focused on promoting accuracy in public debate and media reporting across Africa.
— Newspot Nigeria
