Old Photos of Crackdown on Kenyan Sect Falsely Linked to Anti-Government Rallies
In recent weeks, Kenya has been engulfed in a wave of anti-government protests, with rights groups condemning the police's heavy-handed response. Amid this turmoil, a set of images surfaced online, purportedly depicting police brutality against protesters. However, these images are not from the current demonstrations but rather from a police crackdown on the outlawed Mungiki sect in 2006.
Misleading Images Circulate Online
On July 14, 2023, a post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed, “These photos from the quarry yesterday reveal shocking police misconduct.” The accompanying images show police officers beating a man on the ground while a dog bites at his trousers. This post has been widely shared, misleading many into believing it was related to the recent protests and the discovery of bodies at a quarry.
Context of the Protests
The protests in Kenya began on June 18, 2024, initially sparked by a controversial tax-hike bill. However, they quickly evolved into a broader outcry against President William Ruto’s administration. Reports indicate that the protests have led to at least 50 deaths and over 400 injuries. Following a significant incident where protesters stormed parliament, Ruto rescinded the proposed tax increases, but calls for his resignation intensified, fueled by anger over police violence.
On the same day as the parliamentary storming, rumors circulated about a supposed massacre of civilians by police in Githurai, a suburb of Nairobi. Unverified reports suggested multiple fatalities during a nighttime police operation. The subsequent discovery of nine bodies in an abandoned quarry near Nairobi was linked to these rumors, although police later attributed the remains to a serial killer in custody.
The Truth Behind the Images
A reverse image search conducted by AFP Fact Check revealed that the images in question were originally shared by activist Boniface Mwangi over a decade ago. Mwangi, a photojournalist and political activist, captured these images in 2007 during a police crackdown on Mungiki sect members in Mathare, a Nairobi informal settlement. He confirmed that the images were taken during a time when the sect was facing severe repression due to its alleged involvement in violent crimes.
The Mungiki sect, primarily composed of youths from the Kikuyu tribe, has a controversial history, including alleged ties to the Mau Mau uprising. The group was banned in the early 2000s, and its members have been linked to various criminal activities.
Conclusion
The recent sharing of these historical images highlights the dangers of misinformation during politically charged times. As Kenya grapples with ongoing protests and calls for accountability, it is crucial to verify the context of images and claims circulating on social media. Misleading narratives can exacerbate tensions and distract from the pressing issues at hand.