William Ruto warns diaspora over ‘misleading’ social media narratives about Kenya
President William Ruto has issued a stark warning to Kenyans living abroad, urging them not to rely on social media as their primary source of information about the country, citing a surge in misinformation and politically driven narratives online.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Kenyan diaspora in Italy on Monday evening, the Head of State cautioned that digital platforms are increasingly being used to distort the reality of developments back home.
“If you go to social media today, you’ll think there is nothing good happening in Kenya,” President Ruto said. “I ask you not to rely on social media for news about home.”
The President, who is on a two-day official visit to Italy, expressed concern over what he described as coordinated efforts to mislead the public for political and selfish interests, warning that such narratives risk undermining national progress and investor confidence.
Despite growing criticism from some quarters, Ruto maintained that his administration remains firmly focused on long-term transformation rather than short-term political gains.
“My focus is not about the next General Election. I am focused on transforming Kenya,” he added.
On diaspora matters, the President highlighted the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs as a key step in addressing the challenges faced by Kenyans abroad. He noted that government-backed labour mobility programmes have facilitated employment opportunities for more than 540,000 citizens overseas.
Ruto also pointed to ongoing reforms in the recruitment sector, revealing that over 600 rogue agencies have been shut down in a crackdown aimed at protecting job seekers from exploitation.
In addition, Kenya has signed bilateral labour agreements with countries including Germany, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the United Kingdom, in a bid to safeguard workers’ rights and improve working conditions abroad.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing diaspora concerns, while businessman James Mwangi encouraged Kenyans overseas to invest back home as a means of boosting economic growth.
Also present at the meeting were Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, Water Cabinet Secretary John Mugaa, several Principal Secretaries, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Italy Fredrick Matwang’a.
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