A photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga allegedly being crowned King in Nigeria emerged on social media leading to widespread speculation and making the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss a top trend on Saturday.
The image, initially shared by X, formerly Twitter, user Muchiri Gichuri, suggested that Raila Odinga had been crowned King of Osun-Osogbo at a private event.
However, after conducting a thorough analysis using various fact-checking tools, including Google image reverse search, Kenyans.co.ke confirmed that the photos circulating on social media were fake.
Consequently, we can authoritatively report that the photo is altered with the original photo taken in December 1977.
The image was originally taken by global news agency AFP during the coronation of Jean-Bedel Bokassa, the former president of the Central African Republic, as an emperor.
In the manipulated photograph, the colours were altered in an attempt to deceive Kenyans into thinking that the image is recent.
Additionally, the doctored picture substituted Bokassa's head with that of Raila.
Bokassa passed away in November 1996.
The photo surfaced at a time when the former prime minister had not made any public appearance for six days.
Raila's most recent public appearance was on Friday, August 25, during his wife's 50th wedding anniversary when she turned 73. The event was attended by prominent Azimio leaders, including Martha Karua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Before returning to the country for the anniversary celebration, the ODM leader had been on a private trip to the United Kingdom.
Various reports indicate that the ODM boss will be touring the Western region today for various engagements. It is expected that the opposition leader will be visiting Busia and Vihiga counties.
Raila's visit to the region comes a few days after President William Ruto toured the area.Political observers were quick to note that the tour is meant to counter the political gains Ruto made during his trip.
