Was There a Massacre After Kenya’s Anti-Tax Protests?
During this week’s violent protests in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, rumors began to spread, making an already tense situation worse. On Tuesday, at least 23 people died during clashes between protesters and police. The police watchdog is now investigating allegations that officers shot dead protesters outside the national parliament.
As the chaos unfolded, rumors emerged of a massacre in Githurai, a suburb of Nairobi. Social media was soon flooded with claims that more than 200 people had been killed. However, a BBC investigation found no evidence of mass killings in Githurai, highlighting how quickly misinformation can spread during crises.
Tuesday’s protests saw thousands taking to the streets, leading to looting, attacks on police, and the storming of parliament. In Githurai, heavy gunfire was reported, and videos showed security forces advancing on protesters. Although some people were reportedly shot, there was no verifiable evidence of mass casualties.
Misinformation about the alleged massacre spread quickly online, fueled by old videos from different contexts being misrepresented as current events. Various organizations called for independent investigations into the alleged killings, but the BBC’s on-ground investigation found no confirmation of mass deaths.
The rumors did influence more protests, with some demonstrators citing the supposed massacre as a reason for continuing to protest. Despite this, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported a confirmed death toll of 23 related to the week’s protests, with no evidence of mass killings in Githurai.
This situation underscores the power of social media in spreading both information and misinformation during times of crisis, as well as the need for careful verification of facts.
Credit to BBC as the source.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c25l14wpkryo