The Russian Embassy in Kenya has dismissed a video clip that has gone viral on social media, purporting that Russian President Vladimir Putin was in support of the anti-government protests in Kenya.
In a statement on Thursday, July 4, the embassy noted that the TikTok video was fake, maintaining that the voiceovers in the video were added to a past video.
"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," read part of the statement.
The video, which has now been flagged by the Russian Embassy, showed the Russian leader declaring his support for the protesters in Kenya, claiming that Russia was proud of them.
This comes even as the embassy cautioned Russian citizens against accessing the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, July 2.
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The Russian Embassy disclosed that the advisory was due to possible protests in the city, even as it urged the citizens to continue taking precautions and monitor updates from Kenyan law enforcement agencies.
"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. July 2, 2024, it is recommended not to visit the central area of Nairobi. Please continue to take precautions," read a statement by the Russian Embassy in Kenya.
On Wednesday, July 3, the embassy also asked the Russian citizens to take precaution and not leave their residences on July 4 unless necessary.
"We again warn Russian citizens in Kenya about the need to take precautions due to the risks of aggravation of the situation in Nairobi and other cities. On July 4, 2024, we recommend not leaving your place of residence unless necessary," read the advisory by the Russian Embassy.
