In the news cycle, there have been instances where reports have been doctored or reported inaccurately forcing the subjects to come out and set the record straight.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has had his fair share of false news that he has refuted in public and in most cases he has been forced to come clean with the truth.
Below are some of the events where false news reports that have forced the former Prime Minister to respond.
1. Raila on cremation of the dead
In May 2020, during a period when Kenya was recording a rise in Covid-19 cases, reports made round that Odinga had advocated for cremation in the disposal of dead bodies.
Raila refuted the reports noting that he had instead called on Kenyans to embrace speedy burials and avoid elaborate and crowded burial ceremonies to help contain the spread of the Covid-19.
Raila further noted that cremation had never been part of the culture of most African communities and should not be imposed on them.
2. 'China' surgery
In June, 2020, false news spread with claims that the former Prime Minister had been blocked from travelling to China for 'a complex brain operation'.
His family however, dispelled reports that Odinga was in critical condition, revealing that he had undergone a 'minor back surgery'
They further refuted claims that he was in critical condition.
Raila later returned to the country where he revealed that he had undergone the procedure to treat a nerve disorder that had affected one of his legs.
3. Nusu mkate government
After agreeing to work with President Uhuru Kenyatta, Odinga had to set claims that he was in government straight.
In May 2020, reports alleged that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) was to push for a 'nusu mkate' government.
Odinga stated that he was not negotiating for a coalition government with President Uhuru Kenyatta, but hinted at sweeping political changes before the end of the year.
"I want to make it clear that Jubilee has not asked us to join government as a coalition partner. We also have never discussed such a thing with them. What brings us together is the handshake and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI),” he stated.
4. Claims that he was working to Save Waiguru
When Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was facing impeachment, Odinga made headlines with allegations that he was working to save the embattled governor.
He denied claims of the supposed Waiguru meeting on June 11, 2020, noting that he met with Laikipia Women Representative Catherine Waruguru.
"The meeting had nothing to do with the tribulations of governor Waiguru. I routinely update the country on any such meetings and this would not be different if it had happened," Raila clarified.
5. Raila's vehicle seized
In November 2019, Odinga was forced to dismiss allegations that one of his cars was among top-of-the-range vehicles impounded by detectives over fraudulent registration claims.
In a report, it was claimed that a Range Rover linked to Odinga was among vehicles seized by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Through his spokesperson Dennis Onyango, Odinga rubbished the report saying he had never owned a Range Rover.
“In a report Odinga is being sought by DCI for what amounts to tax evasion and fraud. Odinga has never ever owned a Range Rover vehicle,” Odinga’s aide clarified.
6. Part of Economic Recovery Team
In May 2020, a list that was widely circulated list claimed that Odinga had been appointed to head an Economic Recovery Council by President Uhuru Kenyatta .
However, Raila dismissed the claims.
State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena further made it clear that no such appointment had been made. .
