18/06/2025
Nairobi, Kenya – Social media was flooded with false claims on Tuesday following reports that a man from Homa Bay, allegedly of Luo descent, had been shot and killed by a police officer named Tonui, believed to be a Kalenjin. The narrative quickly gained traction online, with political figures also joining the conversation.
In a public statement, Suba North MP Hon. Millie Odhiambo said:
> “I just learnt that the young man I'm talking about is from Homa Bay, Suba.”
However, these claims have since been proven to be false and misleading.
The true identity of the victim is Boniface Kariuki, a Kenyan of Kikuyu origin, who is alive and currently recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after a successful operation. His father, Jonah Kariuki, has confirmed his son's condition, though an official medical report from KNH is still pending.
Additionally, the police officer involved is a Luhya, not a Kalenjin as earlier claimed. These falsehoods appear to have been crafted to spark tribal tension — targeting innocent communities and spreading unnecessary political hostility.
This case underscores a growing national concern: the use of misinformation to ignite ethnic division, particularly between the Luo and Kalenjin communities. Such propaganda threatens the very fabric of our unity as a nation.
We urge all Kenyans to reject propaganda, verify facts, and avoid being used to spread hate. We must hold our leaders and ourselves to a higher standard of truth, dignity, and responsibility.
The judiciary and government agencies must also act swiftly to hold accountable anyone spreading fake news or inciting ethnic hatred, regardless of their political affiliation or position.
Let us remember the timeless words of our National Anthem:
"Let all with one accord, in common bond united, build this our nation together.”
This is the moment to defend the soul of Kenya not with insults or tribal blame, but with truth, peace, and patriotism.
Kenya is one. Let’s protect it together.