On 1-2 October, Dakar, Senegal will host the 4th Africa Facts Summit — marking the first time this major gathering takes place in a French-speaking African country.

This year’s summit will see fact-checkers, journalists and tech experts from across Africa discuss disinformation campaigns, AI’s impact, tackling misinformation in conflict zones, and how to build strong coalitions.

• A video going around on Facebook apparently shows Prof Salim Abdool Karim warning about blood clots from Covid vaccines.

• The video is a deepfake, created using AI to make it look like he said things he didn’t. The original clip was about US funding for NGOs — nothing about Covid vaccines. 

• Both the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa) and the Department of Health have confirmed it’s false. 

• A message doing the rounds on Facebook and WhatsApp claims that a company called “Sibanye Water” is inviting applications for learnerships and training programmes via a shared link.

• The message is referring to mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater. But this is a scam.

• The company has urged job seekers to follow its official platforms for opportunities.

• A post is going around claiming that a mix of guava leaves, ginseng, ginger and lemons can cure blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis.

• This is false. There’s no evidence these herbs can treat either condition. Blocked tubes and endometriosis need proper medical care — not online miracle cures.

• Be careful with posts that promise “quick fixes” or give out phone numbers.

Kenya’s protests have triggered a wave of misinformation — from old videos and fake official statements to misleading crowd photos. We’ve fact-checked some of the most viral claims.

Old photo of Kenyan activist Hanifa Adan with Nairobi governor in 2024 used to spark ‘betrayal’ claims amid 2025 protests.

Kenya’s Standard newspaper didn’t report on ex-deputy president Gachagua congratulating young Kenyans after violent protests.

No, Kenya’s president William Ruto hasn’t resigned amid protests – ignore viral post.

Ignore AI-generated images of Kenyan protester and police officer with rifles and tear gas.

Kenyan police didn’t issue statement alleging immigrants were involved in violent street protests.

Ignore fake newspaper front pages accusing Kenya’s former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua of radicalising young people.

Kenya’s Standard newspaper didn’t report that president would flee due to 25 June 2025 protests.

In times of crisis like Kenya’s protests, false stories spread fast — fueling fear, confusion, and even violence.

Our team works daily to track down viral claims, separate truth from fiction, and make sure the public has reliable information.

Your support helps us keep doing this essential work. Donate today to power independent fact-checking in Africa.

A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, despite being widely shared. 

Kenya 🇰🇪

FALSE:  A photo on social media is being reposted with the claim it shows Kenyan IT expert Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, found dumped and unconscious after his mysterious disappearance. But the man in the photo has been identified and Kinyagia has not been found.

FALSE: According to a viral video on TikTok, US president Donald Trump accused his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto of “stealing and killing Kenyans”. But the video has been altered using artificial intelligence tools and is fake.

FALSE: The news graphic claims recent “alcohol deaths” in Kenya are linked to global drinks maker Diageo and that the World Health Organization is under pressure to “blacklist” the company. But the graphic is fake, and the claim is false.

FAKE: No, the Kenyan brewing giant East African Breweries Limited has not closed over a poisoning scandal, as fake graphics and articles claim.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

FALSE: Several Facebook posts claim the Nigerian government is finalising plans to resume stipend payments for beneficiaries of the youth programme, N-Power. But there is no official announcement or credible media report confirming this.

FALSE: No, Nigerian president Tinubu has not appointed Hadiza Usman as the first female secretary to the government of the federation.

FALSE: Nigeria has 19 registered political parties. Ignore reports claiming the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission has registered two new political parties.

FALSE: Several posts circulating online claim that Goodluck Jonathan is planning to run in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. But the former president’s spokesperson denied this.

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Your weekly dose of facts in newsletter form is created by Laura Kapelari (@laurakapelari). It is edited by Lee Mwiti (@LMAfrican) and Cayley Clifford (@cayleyclifford).