Kalonzo Musyoka Denies Fake AU Appointment Post Circulating Online

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has refuted claims circulating online that he was appointed to lead an African Union (AU) peace dialogue in Côte d'Ivoire. 

The denial follows the emergence of a fabricated social media post purporting to show Kalonzo heading a diplomatic mission ahead of the West African nation’s elections. The post, which surfaced on Wednesday, featured a counterfeit signature attributed to AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Youssouf. 

It falsely alluded to Kalonzo's previous mediation efforts in South Sudan and diplomatic engagements in Côte d'Ivoire to lend credibility to the claim. Kalonzo swiftly dismissed the statement as “absolutely fake,” accusing his political adversaries of orchestrating a smear campaign designed to undermine his public standing. 

"This is a calculated smear," Mr. Musyoka stated on Thursday. "I will always stand with the people of Kenya. I will not dialogue with those who abduct young Kenyans.”

The post arises amidst Kalonzo's consistent criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, particularly regarding human rights, judicial independence, and youth empowerment. As a prominent figure within the United Opposition coalition, Kalonzo has been a vocal critic of the government’s policies.

On Sunday, Kalonzo publicly denounced Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s employment programmes as elitist and politically motivated, remarking that "This employment thing amounts to a misuse of office; they think they can bribe Kenyans.”