Claim
A video circulating on TikTok claims that Kenyan President William Ruto said "South Africans must leave Kenya" and vowed to retaliate against South Africans.
Verdict
False. The video does not show President William Ruto commenting on South Africans.
JamiiCheck's verification established that the video was taken from President William Ruto's 25 June 2024
State of the Nation address following the anti-Finance Bill protests in Kenya.
In the original speech, President Ruto was addressing the violence that erupted during the protests, emphasizing the government's responsibility to protect citizens from criminals exploiting peaceful demonstrations. At no point did he mention South Africa or South Africans, nor did he say that South Africans should leave Kenya or threaten retaliation against them.
On the contrary, President Ruto has consistently advocated for stronger diplomatic and economic relations with South Africa and has supported greater regional integration, including visa-free travel for Africans visiting Kenya.
So, the claim that President William Ruto said South Africans must leave Kenya or vowed to retaliate against them is false. The viral video has been taken out of context and actually shows remarks made during his June 2024 address on the anti-Finance Bill protests in Kenya, not comments about South Africans.
