Why Kenyans are demanding an apology from ODM’s Etale
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale has gotten himself in trouble over an old photo purportedly from the scene of the violence that hit some parts of the country following the declaration of the 2017 presidential election winner.
Apparently, on Saturday Mr Etale posted on Twitter a photo of a seemingly shocked young boy which he captioned:
“Dear Matiang’i, SDA Church Elder. This shocked young kid is a CRIMINAL. According to you.”
Dear Matiang’i, SDA Church Elder. This shocked young kid is a CRIMINAL. According to you pic.twitter.com/h97M5w3tkY
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) August 12, 2017
But as it later turned out, the photo was actually taken during the 2007-08 post election violence and not the current spate of protests.
The photo, taken on January 17, 2008, by Walter Astrada, shows a young boy on a doorway screaming with the hand of a police officer holding a baton in the foreground.
He picture won Astrada first prize in the spot news singles category.
Here are some responses to Mr Etale’s goof from concerned Kenyans.
#FakeNews Alert pic.twitter.com/HlU1cHQd97
— Prometheus MBS (@Kenribs) August 12, 2017
@JBoinnet Police are looking for people like you. Spreading rumors on social media @OleItumbi @APSKenya @FredMatiangi
— Prometheus MBS (@Kenribs) August 12, 2017
Please stop posting old photos so as to inflame passions while in the comfort of your home. #StopKisumuKillings pic.twitter.com/I4FoFDOnz0
— David Gitachu (@LeanFactories) August 12, 2017
You are part of the people who should be behind bars for spreading false information, this is an old photo.
— Mr. kimerrow (@Totsvi) August 12, 2017
You are still circulating images lifted from the internet?You really ‘love’ security!Ooh you do!
— Gatobu Nkatha D (@NkathaDee) August 13, 2017
hey stop pulling SDA into this.
— Smiles (@smiles_el_Hazar) August 13, 2017
Clearly this photo has been doing rounds since 2007, let’s be factual, but condemn use of extreme force on protesters
— Tim (@Timothy_Mwangi) August 12, 2017
Lol. pathetic NASA bloggers trying so hard to create an impression of a country in chaos. Kenyans are busy in their normal routine. Move on.
— Alex Njoki (@AlexNjoki) August 12, 2017
Phillip you just stooped too low! You and @ItsMutai must apologize to Kenyans and the world
— Isaac g njagi (@Isaacgnjagi) August 13, 2017
If this is an old photo, whoever started posting it should be arrested. #StopKisumuKillings
— planetlogic (@PaulKuria) August 13, 2017
It’s a shame that you are part of the people peddling old images online to raise false alarm such a sad state
— perez pipi (@PerezPipi) August 13, 2017