Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has not requested Kenyan President William Ruto to address opposition leaders “with some lethal force,” despite claims circulating in viral graphics on social media. These graphics attribute a quote to Museveni, urging Ruto to “deal with these maniacs with some force and they won’t repeat their silly mistakes,” which supposedly refers to opposition figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and ex-Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. Additionally, the quote includes Kiswahili slang, suggesting to Ruto that “the sword you were given is not for cutting vegetables,” a phrase referencing the ceremonial sword used during presidential inaugurations.
However, there is no evidence that Museveni made such remarks. While he occasionally uses Kiswahili in public, his proficiency is limited, and the use of slang like “uswadi” does not align with his typical language style. Furthermore, Kenya and Uganda maintain close diplomatic ties and generally refrain from publicly interfering in each other’s internal affairs. If Museveni had indeed made such a statement, it would likely have garnered significant media coverage and political reactions in both countries; yet, no credible news outlets have reported on 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 following a falling out with Ruto, while 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 the suppression of opposition voices and manipulation of electoral processes.
The graphics also reference Daniel arap Moi, the former Kenyan president 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.
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