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Governor Gachagua is alive and well, says family


Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua’s family has denied reports on social media that the county boss had passed on.

His brother Rigathi Gachagua in an exclusive interview said the governor is in good health and condemned bloggers who are circulating messages that he could be dead.

“The people behind these claims and paying social media fanatics and bloggers to cheat the public are the same people who financed his impeachment by members of the county assembly,” he said.

He accused former Mathira MP Ephraim Maina, who has shown interest in the governor’s seat, of being behind the rumours.

ALIVE AND WELL

“Wishing that someone is dead so that you can take his seat is only wishful thinking. Be ready to face my brother in the ballot paper because he is alive and well,” he said.

The enraged brother, who has been seen to be a powerful force behind the governor, said the family will investigate the source of the false information.

A blogger had on Thursday claimed “Mr Gachagua passed on a few minutes after midnight on Wednesday night while undergoing treatment in an Indian Hospital in what is said to be an acute a case of acute leukemia.”

However, the county government, through its Twitter handle, tweeted hours later: “We wish to dispel the malicious rumours by @dailybriefKE about our Governor. Governor Gachagua is well and attending to his duties.”

ABSENCE FROM FUNCTIONS

His absence from county functions and most recently during the Mashujaa Day celebrations have however raised concerns on his whereabouts.

The brother said that the governor’s appearance before the Senate should be proof that he is in the country and good condition.

His Deputy Samuel Wamathai is representing his boss in most county functions.

The governor has in the past admitted to being ill but maintains he will defend his seat in the coming polls.

“Sometimes it appears like I am succumbing but then the Lord lifts me up in the presence of my enemies. I will continue to serve Nyeri residents once they re-elect me and am confident they will,” he said in a recent function.

The governor has been admitted to hospital severally but the family has always kept his health condition a guarded secret.