The picture has been on Facebook since September 6, 2023, but its origin is unknown.

Writer: Doki Simon James

A photo shared on a Facebook post by Top in South Sudan allegedly showing President Kiir in Muniki Market, buying potatoes, is false.

Munuki is one of the largest suburbs in Juba City, with two famous main markets of  Suk Libya and  Suk Melissa close to each other.

“Kiir in Munuki Market is buying potatoes today at 4 p.m.,” claims Top in South Sudan’s Post. 

At the time of publication, this claim had attracted 211 reactions, 16 comments, and ten shares, with mixed reactions from members of the public.  A comment from one viewer, “Day by Day,”  said “Thank you for supporting this woman’s business, but you, please purchase her business with some small tip”, while another one lamented, “Photocopy of Kiir.” 

Claim Verification:

On investigation, we found that the claim made by Top in South Sudan, an online blog on Facebook, is false.

Levi Kuron, a vendor at Munuki Suk Libya, told 211 Check that the President of the Republic, Salva Kiir, didn’t visit Munuki Market on the stated date and time claimed by the post. Mary Atai, who sells at Munuki Suk Melissa, also said it is untrue, citing that it is unusual.

The post used a photo of a long-bearded person wearing a black suit, a hat (attires familiar to the president), and the name Kiir to create a positive impression in the public and justify the claim that President Kiir went shopping in Munuki Market. 

However, online searches on Google reverse image search, TinEye, and Yandex could not find evidence to confirm that the photo used in the post was taken in Munuki Market or that the person in the photo was President Kiir, as it was never shared on other online platforms. 

Conclusion:

211 Check found the claim made by Top in South Sudan’s Facebook post of a man buying potatoes in Munuki market, alleged to be Kiir, as false. The president of the Republic made no such visit to the Munuki market on the claimed date and time of the post. The photo in the post was not taken in Munuki Market, and the person in the photo is not President Kiir.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter