ADVERT 
ADVERTFormer Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju is alive and in good health, his close associate and lawyer Fanya Mambo Kinuthia has confirmed, dismissing viral social media claims alleging that the veteran politician had died.
The clarification came on Monday, August 3, after false reports spread rapidly across various social media platforms, triggering concern among Kenyans and political leaders.
Kinuthia, who described Tuju as a close personal friend, said he had spoken with the former Cabinet Secretary twice within the previous 24 hours, leaving no doubt that the reports were entirely fabricated.
“I spoke to him last evening and again this morning. Raphael Tuju is okay. He is fine. He is alive,” Kinuthia stated, urging the public to ignore what he termed as baseless online speculation.
The lawyer criticized individuals who create and circulate false reports about public figures, warning that such misinformation causes unnecessary panic and emotional distress to families, friends and supporters.
ADVERTKinuthia noted that Tuju is not the first prominent Kenyan to become the target of fake death reports.
He recalled a previous incident in which false claims circulated online alleging that veteran journalist Jeff Koinange had died. According to Kinuthia, he personally contacted Koinange before appearing on radio to reassure Kenyans that the celebrated broadcaster was alive.
He urged social media users to verify information before sharing it, especially reports concerning a person’s health or death.
“Let us desist from posting unverified stories, especially those concerning people’s lives and well-being. Such reports cause unnecessary panic, distress friends, and hurt both families and loved ones,” he said.
Raphael Tuju remains one of Kenya’s most recognizable political figures, having served in several senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretary and Secretary-General of the ruling Jubilee Party.
In recent months, Tuju has remained active in public discourse, commenting on governance, constitutional issues and national politics despite maintaining a relatively low public profile.
The latest rumours sparked widespread concern before Kinuthia’s statement quickly dispelled the misinformation.
The Tuju incident comes only months after Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga was forced to publicly deny rumours of his own death following a road accident.
Kalasinga had been travelling from Nakuru to Nairobi to attend a political meeting in Kitengela when his vehicle was involved in an accident. Although he sustained injuries, including a broken arm, the legislator later released a video assuring constituents that he was safe and recovering well.
He said false reports claiming he had died prompted him to personally address the public and reassure supporters of his condition.
The two incidents have renewed calls for greater responsibility in the use of social media, with leaders urging Kenyans to verify information through credible sources before sharing it.
Media experts have repeatedly warned that false reports involving deaths, illnesses or emergencies can spread rapidly online, causing psychological distress, damaging reputations and placing unnecessary pressure on affected families.
As of Monday evening, Raphael Tuju remains alive, healthy and has not issued any indication of illness, bringing to an end the speculation that had briefly circulated across social media platforms.
