Image of Firyal Nur, daughter to Kenya’s Sport Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed emerged on several social media platforms with claims that she was among some 32 joyriders claimed to have jetted to Oregon for World Athletics Championships and that she had taken a picture while in the US with celebrated sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala.
Through a quick online search, we established the picture was taken at Kasarani Stadium, Kenya and published by Firyal on her verified Instagram account on May 7, 2022 during the Kipchoge Keino Classic
The viral image emerged in what is seen as protest by Kenyans for failure and laxity to secure tickets some of the athletes in good time to. The athletes including Omanyala were set to take part in the competition.
US Embassy earlier raised questions on number of the athletic delegation exceeding 80 that had been provided by the Ministry of Sports; leading to suspicious of corruption and nepotism undoing as some of those who travelled to US did not have any responsibilities.
Despite being a model, fashion designer and a business lady in New York, there are no evidence yet that Firyal indeed was among the 32 joyriders to blame for Omanyala’s failure to qualify for semi and finals in the 100-miter battle.
INTENT:
The image, despite being taken at Kasarani, it was overally claimed to have been taken in the US, this purely misrepresenting the context thus misinformed unsuspecting consumers.
Initially, the viral material may have been produced as form of protest or for entertainment purposes but spiraled out and altogether disinformed.
