A statement going viral on social media indicating that the Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on President William Ruto to rein in police killings, warning that the situation is "spiralling out of control" is FAKE.

The  Fake statement indicated that the ODM leader condemned the shooting of an unarmed mask hawker during the June 17 protests in Nairobi, saying the police have gone rogue.

The hawker, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was shot in the head by a uniformed police officer in broad daylight along Moi Avenue during protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang.

Dated Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Fake statement noted that Raila was appalled by the horrifying and inexcusable shooting of the mask vendor.

“Kenyans have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, and I call upon the President to urgently address this escalating situation before it spirals out of control. The continued use of violence by law enforcement against unarmed citizens is unacceptable and must be met with immediate accountability,” Raila said.

“I strongly condemn the shooting of an unarmed hawker selling masks in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The viral video circulating on social media is horrifying to watch. Our police officers have completely gone rogue. There was no imminent threat posed to the officer, yet he chose to use excessive and lethal force against an innocent civilian.” 

The Star Factchecker has, however, reached out to ODM director of Communication Philip Etale, who confirmed that it is fake.

"The statement is fake; it did not originate from our office," he said.

In a separate statement on X,  Etale added.

"If it is not posted by me, Dennis Onyango or posted on Raila Odinga and The ODM party handles, then it is FAKE. A press release/statement originates from the source to newsrooms and is posted on relevant handles."