
Russia Distances Self From Support Of Anti-Finance Bill Protests In Kenya
The Russian Embassy in Kenya issued a statement on Thursday condemning a viral video clip that mocked the voice of the Nordic country’s President Vladimir Putin.
The video, which went viral primarily on Tiktok, showed the Russian President expressing his support for Kenyan protesters who have been on the streets for over two weeks.
The Embassy stated in its statement that the voice-over was entirely fabricated and that captions had been added to a video of an actual event unrelated to the events in Kenya.
“We have noticed that a fake video of the President of Russia has been circulating in Kenyan social media,” the Embassy cautioned.
“Completely fake voice-over and captions were added over real footage of a past address by the Russian President. Beware of misinformation.”
#antifake
— Russian Embassy in Kenya/Посольство России в Кении (@russembkenya) July 4, 2024
☝ We have noticed that a fake video of the President of Russia has been circulating in Kenyan social media
❌ Completely #fake voice-over and captions were added over a real footage of a past address by the Russian President
❕Beware of misinformation pic.twitter.com/lgPAyg2BRi
Since the protests began on June 18, the Russian government and its leader have yet to comment publicly on them.
However, the Embassy sends out warnings to its citizens about dangerous areas to visit due to the protests, which frequently turn chaotic.
At the start of this week, the Embassy advised its citizens to avoid Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and other trouble spots.
“To the attention of Russian citizens located in Kenya: There is currently an increased risk of mass demonstrations in Nairobi and other cities in Kenya,” cautioned the Embassy.
“July 2, 2024, it is recommended not to visit the central area of Nairobi.”
Kenyan youth, particularly Generation Z, took to the streets to protest the Finance Bill 2024, which they described as punitive for Kenyans by imposing a slew of taxes.
The protesters also decried the high cost of living and urged the government to reject the bill in its entirety.
Last Tuesday, lawmakers passed the bill, but due to the resulting protests, President William Ruto decided to withdraw it.
He did, however, note that the country will need to borrow Ksh1 trillion to fund the ambitious bill, which is expected to increase the country’s foreign debt even further.
Russia Distances Self From Support Of Anti-Finance Bill Protests In Kenya