Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has not asked Kenyan President William Ruto to deal with opposition leaders “with some lethal force,” despite claims circulating in viral graphics on social media.
The graphics attribute a quote to Museveni urging Ruto to “deal with these maniacs with some force and they won’t repeat their silly mistakes,” referring to opposition figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and ex-Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. The quote also includes Kiswahili slang, telling Ruto that “the sword you were given is not for cutting vegetables,” a reference to the ceremonial sword used during presidential inaugurations.
However, there is no evidence Museveni made such remarks. While he occasionally uses Kiswahili in public, his proficiency is limited, and the use of slang like “uswadi” is inconsistent with his typical language style. Kenya and Uganda maintain close diplomatic ties and generally avoid public interference in each other’s internal affairs. If Museveni had made such a statement, it would likely have drawn significant media coverage and political reaction in both countries, yet no credible news outlets have reported it.
The fabricated quote appears to have emerged amid heightened political tensions in Kenya, where Ruto and opposition leaders have been engaged in a public feud over governance and corruption. Gachagua was impeached as deputy president in October 2024 after a falling out with Ruto, and Matiang’i previously served in various cabinet roles under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, has faced repeated allegations of authoritarianism, including suppressing opposition voices and manipulating electoral processes. Daniel arap Moi, the former Kenyan president referenced in the graphics, was also known for his tough stance on dissent during his 24-year rule from 1978 to 2002.
The circulation of these graphics highlights how fabricated quotes can exploit real political disputes to provoke reactions online, underscoring the importance of verifying information before sharing.
