A doctored image of The Star newspaper’s front page, dated July 14, 2022, has been making rounds on social media. The fake graphic claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta paid for then-Deputy President William Ruto’s HIV treatment. The image attributes the statement to former Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and includes a sub-headline describing Ruto’s health as a matter of national concern.
The manipulated image shows William Ruto with a blood pressure monitor attached to his arm. However, a thorough examination of The Star’s e-paper archives for July 14, 2022, revealed that the publication did not run such a story. The actual front page of The Star on that date had a completely different headline: “KU land tussle linked to control of hospital.”
The legitimate front page focused on administrative disputes over the management of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH). The layout of the authentic front page differed significantly from the fake image. The genuine version included a top sub-headline that read, “MP’s report: Prof Wainaina picked as his legacy return of facility to the university.”
The real edition featured two campaign photos—William Ruto campaigning in Kwale and Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga in Kisii. In contrast, the manipulated image showed Ruto with medical equipment. While some smaller side stories on the fake cover matched those on the authentic front page, the primary headline and central imagery were digitally replaced.
The Star newspaper has disowned the circulating cover across its verified social media pages, flagging it as counterfeit. The publication posted a message on its official accounts, stating, “If it is not on our official pages, it is FAKE! Get the real copy by visiting mgazeti.com.”
This incident is part of a larger trend of doctored newspaper covers and manipulated infographics designed to mislead voters, which was observed during the 2022 general election campaign period in Kenya. Media outlets faced a surge in fake news, with front-page covers of major national dailies frequently altered to insert sensational political statements or fabricated claims about leading political figures.
The verification process by Piga Firimbi confirmed that the front-page image claiming The Star published a story on Uhuru Kenyatta paying for William Ruto’s medical care is indeed altered. The fact-checking initiative aims to curb the spread of misinformation and promote accuracy in reporting.
Key points
- The Star newspaper did not publish a story claiming Uhuru Kenyatta paid for William Ruto’s HIV treatment.
- The manipulated image was part of a larger trend of doctored newspaper covers and fake news during Kenya’s 2022 general election campaign.
- The Star has verified its official social media pages as the authentic source of its publications.
