Prominent Kenyans Who Quit or Are Not On Social Media

Impersonation and identity theft are some of the issues social media giants have implemented measures against in an effort to combat fake news and disinformation.   

Twitter warns users from impersonating individuals, groups, or organizations to mislead, confuse, or deceive others. It also advocates against using a fake identity to disrupt other users' experiences. 

However, despite the measures put in place, a majority of Kenyans still fall for fake accounts with a section being duped while others unknowingly spread fake news. 

 Some of the social media accounts impersonating prominent Kenyans have amassed thousands of followers. The elite being impersonated quit social media, have never opened accounts or are not as active as the fake accounts stealing their identity. 

Citizen TV founder SK Macharia and a signpost showing Royal Media Services stations.

File

S.K. Macharia

Samuel Kamau Macharia is the founder and chairman of Royal Media Service, the company that runs and manages Citizen TV, Inooro TV and radio stations - Radio Citizen, Hot 96 among others. 

Recently, Twitter and Facebook accounts emerged bearing his name and photos, especially after his involvement in the 2022 General Election. 

Macharia supported former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. However, the tycoon distanced himself from those accounts and others on social media.

Further his company, Royal Media Service released a statement also disowning the accounts

“This is to inform the general public that Dr S.K Macharia, Chairman of Royal Media Service, does not have any social media accounts on Facebook or Twitter or any other social media platforms,” the statement read. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta listens as President William Ruto reads his speech at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Kenyans.co.ke

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta deactivated his social media accounts in 2019 after facing a barrage of attacks and trolls from a section of users who opposed his presidency. 

“Mimi nilitoka Twitter kwa sababu huko ni Matusi tu….afadhali nipige story na mama, nilale, niamke nifanye kazi

(I left Twitter over the abuses I received. I would rather tell stories with my wife - former First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta -, sleep then wake up to work)" Uhuru lamented. 

His account had by then amassed over three million followers, making him one of the most followed heads of states in Africa. 

Fred Matiang’i

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i addresses the media in Nairobi at a past event

Kenyans.co.ke

Outgoing Interior CS, Fred Matiang’i, deleted his Twitter account after William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth President.

Matiang’i whose Twitter account had over 1.3 million followers did not disclose the reasons that prompted him to deactivate his account. 

The vocal CS was one of the CSs who was accused of frustrating President William Ruto and his allies. 

His move to deactivate his account led to mixed reactions from Kenyans especially those who supported the President's bid.

David Murathe

Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe in an interview on K24 TV on Tuesday, July 5, 2022

K24 Digital

Former Jubilee vice chairperson, David Murathe, is also one of the prominent leaders targetted by impersonators. 

However, Murathe himself clarified that he does not run any social media accounts. Murathe was in the spotlight after a fake account went viral with fake news. 

“Congratulations William Ruto, it is time to show Mt. Kenya People who you truly are. President Uhuru and I will be playing with our grandchildren while Ruto changes the Constitution,” the tweet claimed. 

In a quick rejoinder, Jubilee Party flagged the post and cautioned users from interacting with its content.  

“Please note that the Jubilee Party vice chairperson Hon. David Murathe does not have any social media accounts,” the account tweeted.

Moses Kuria

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria at Maya Gardens Sagana, with Chama Cha Kazi Aspirants during a Nominations Planning Meeting on March 12, 2022

Kuria FB Page

Former Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria, stated that he would delete his Facebook and Twitter accounts which had so far amassed over 1.1 million followers combined as of Wednesday, September 14. 

"My objective has been achieved. My good friend William Ruto is the fifth President. This account will be permanently deleted on Wednesday, September 14, at 6 pm. It was a great interaction guys. Adios," Kuria posted.

Winnie Odinga 

Winnie Odinga, Raila Odinga's daughter, quit social media on Tuesday, September 13. 

Her decision followed a fierce battle of words between her and a section of Azimio La Umoja's staunch supporters.

The two parties differed over the mismanagement of Raila Odinga's campaigns and subsequent General Election. 

Winnie Odinga posing for a photo in March 2019

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