IN SHORT: Multiple graphics bearing the branding of credible media outlets in Kenya are circulating online, claiming that Kiambu county governor Kimani Wamatangi warned president William Ruto against setting foot in the county. However, they are fabricated.
Kimani Wamatangi, the governor of Kenya's Kiambu county, has told president William Ruto "not to set foot" in the county.
That's according to multiple graphics circulating on social media in February 2026.
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One of them features a summary that reads: "This public caution signals deepening rifts within Mt. Kenya politics ahead of future elections, with Wamatangi positioning himself as a defender of county autonomy and resources."
The graphics feature the logos and branding of reputable Kenyan media outlets, including NTV Kenya, KTN News Kenya and TV47 digital.
They came about a month after Wamatangi's business premises were destroyed. He alleged that "bulldozers accompanied by hundreds of heavily armed police officers" raided the business and destroyed it. Wamatangi further claimed that, for three years, individuals exploiting state powers had been terrorising him.
Weeks before the attack on his business, a court had frozen his bank accounts in a case brought by Kenya's Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over graft allegations. The government in Kenya has often been accused of using state institutions to target political opponents.
Mount Kenya region refers to areas in central Kenya and includes counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kiambu, Murang'a and Laikipia. The area is traditionally inhabited by the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru communities.
Due to its large population, the region wields considerable electoral influence, as Kenyans generally vote along ethnic lines. Kenya will hold its next general election in 2027.
The graphics have been widely posted on social media.
But are they authentic? We checked.
Fabricated graphics
Africa Check noted that all the graphics emerged on 9 February and appeared coordinated, raising doubts about their authenticity. Local media outlets typically have their own editorial priorities and would likely publish such graphics on different dates. It is also strange that the media houses would all focus on the single quote at the same time, and not cover other angles of the story.
A closer look at these circulating graphics reveals that they do not conform to the usual designs of the media outlets they claim to represent. For example, when we examined them, we noticed that their designs, fonts or colours differed from those of genuine graphics from NTV Kenya, KTN News Kenya and TV47 digital. This suggests that the graphics in question may not be genuine.
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These news outlets have a strong presence on social media, including Facebook and X, and frequently post their graphics on these platforms. However, a thorough search by Africa Check found no trace of the graphics on any of their official accounts.
On 9 February 2026, NTV Kenya posted the graphic, labelling it "FAKE".
These graphics are fake and should be disregarded.
