"Raila Will Punish You" ODM Leaders Tell Off Nyeri residents Celebrating Raila's defeat

The United States Embassy has dismissed as fake a circulating statement claiming that President William Ruto recently held a secret meeting with Al-Shabaab leaders. 

The embassy flagged the statement on Friday, February 14, calling it false and misleading.

"We want to clarify that the press release alleging a meeting between President Ruto and Al-Shabaab is completely fake," a source from the embassy stated.

The fake statement, which spread widely on social media, alleged that the US was deeply concerned about Ruto’s supposed engagement with the terrorist group.

It warned of possible consequences if Kenya continued any form of cooperation with Al-Shabaab.

However, the US embassy emphasized that such claims were baseless and should be disregarded.

"Kenya has always been a strong partner in the fight against terrorism. 

Spreading false information like this only serves to create unnecessary panic," the embassy official added.

Al-Shabaab, an extremist group based in Somalia, has carried out deadly attacks in Kenya for over a decade. Some of the most devastating attacks include:

The Westgate Mall attack in 2013, where 67 people lost their lives.

The Garissa University attack in 2015, which claimed 148 lives, most of them students.

The DusitD2 Hotel attack in 2019, which left 14 people dead.

Multiple attacks in Lamu and Mpeketoni in 2014, where 48 people were killed.

These attacks have led to heightened security measures in Kenya, with the government working closely with international partners like the US to combat terrorism.

The United States has been a key ally in the fight against Al-Shabaab. 

Over the years, the US has provided financial aid, military training, and intelligence support to Kenya and other East African countries. 

The US military has also conducted airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab bases in Somalia.

In 2017, then-US President Donald Trump approved the deployment of American troops to Somalia to assist in counterterrorism operations. However, these troops were later withdrawn.

The fake statement falsely claimed that the US government viewed Ruto’s alleged meeting with Al-Shabaab as a betrayal of international counterterrorism efforts. 

However, the US embassy has made it clear that the statement was fabricated.

"It is important for Kenyans to verify news before believing or sharing it. 

Misinformation can cause unnecessary fear and tension," security analyst John Mwangi explained.