Recent reports circulating on social media, especially X, have falsely claimed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is missing. The rumors come amid a growing number of abductions targeting government critics in the country.
The claims, which began circulating on January 8, 2025, alleged that Gachagua was a top headline in major newspapers like Nation and Standard, with the hashtag #RiggyGmissing trending online. However, a fact-check conducted by The Kenya Times revealed that the reports were fabricated.
Gachagua Clarifies the Rumors
On the same day, Gachagua took to his official X account at 1:41 pm to refute the allegations, tweeting that he had met with a delegation from ‘Kîama Kîa Ma’ on Tuesday, January 7. He shared photos from the meeting and emphasized the importance of consulting and listening to the community.
“Yesterday, I had an opportunity to continue consulting and listening when I met a delegation from ‘Kîama Kîa Ma’,” Gachagua said in his tweet. “These Senior Elders, mainly County Chairs & County Patrons, shared their priorities for 2025, especially regarding political direction and social integration.”
Standard Media Group Flags Fake Post
In response to the misleading claims, Standard Media Group flagged the posts as fake, stamping them with a “fake” label. The fabricated newspaper headline claimed, “Abductions: DP Gachagua Missing,” alleging that the former deputy president had been abducted outside Starbucks Hotel in Karatina town after attending a meeting. The post also claimed that Gachagua’s family had reported him missing for 16 hours.
However, a closer inspection revealed that this post was entirely fabricated, with significant differences from the original Standard Media Group publication. The actual article, titled “Abductions: What Does This Man Know?” featured a photo of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, not Gachagua. The fake post had manipulated the image of Gachagua, misaligning text and altering the font size to create a deceptive appearance.
Nation Media Also Denounces False Claims
Another fake post circulating on social media was attributed to Nation Media. The fabricated headline read, “Gachagua Now President Ruto’s Fiercest Critic. Gachagua is Missing. Under Siege as Pastor Dorcas Pleads for Her Husband’s Release,” followed by claims that Gachagua would be charged with treason. However, this post was also flagged as false.
A fact check revealed that the original Daily Nation headline discussed abductions as crimes against humanity, highlighting human rights defenders’ calls for accountability. The piece was not about Gachagua’s disappearance.
The spread of misinformation regarding public figures like Gachagua is not only misleading but also dangerous. It has the potential to incite panic, harm reputations, and fuel divisions within society. Fact-checking organizations and media outlets continue to stress the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially in such politically sensitive times.
As of now, Gachagua remains active and engaged in public affairs, with no credible evidence supporting the claims of his disappearance.
