Kenya: Viral Image Falsely Depicts Kenya's Former Deputy President Drinking Beer

26 May 2026
Africa Check (Johannesburg)
By Wanjiru Kamau

IN SHORT: A viral image which appears to show Rigathi Gachagua drinking beer with his party's deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, has been digitally altered. The original image showed the two holding coconuts, not Guinness beer mugs.

Posts shared on Facebook and X since late April 2026 appear to show former Kenyan deputy president Rigathi Gachagua drinking beer with former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala.

In the image, the two are seated outdoors holding Guinness-branded glass mugs, with social media users using the image as evidence to label Gachagua a "drunkard".

One of the posts reads: "Gachagua is a serious drunkard. He should not be taken with seriousness at all." Another reads: "Pastors husband is a drunkard man. Is it right or wrong?"

Collectively, the posts have attracted at least 40,000 views.

Read the original story, with links and other resources.
Africa Check is a non-partisan organisation which promotes accuracy in public debate and in the media. X @AfricaCheck and www.africacheck.org

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