Reports claiming the death of Cardinal John Njue have been swiftly refuted by the Catholic Church, leaving no room for doubt about the cleric's well-being.
As fake reports spread like wildfire on social media, the Archdiocese of Nairobi has stepped in to set the record straight. Cardinal Njue, who served as Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 to 2021, is alive and in good health, contrary to the viral rumours.
The Archdiocese of Nairobi, through the office of Auxiliary Bishop Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi, issued a firm statement dismissing the baseless claims. The Church urged Kenyans to be cautious about the information they share, especially on sensitive matters.
“We categorically state that these claims are entirely false and without foundation,” the statement read, emphasising the importance of verifying facts before sharing.
This swift response came after persistent rumours circulated, claiming that the 78-year-old cardinal had passed away. The Church, however, confirmed that Cardinal Njue remains in good health and continues to be a revered figure in the Kenyan Catholic community.
Gachihi stressed that any official updates on Cardinal Njue’s health would come directly from Church channels, discouraging Kenyans from entertaining unverified rumours.
Social media, which has become a breeding ground for misinformation, was the primary source of the false reports. The fake news gained traction, sparking concern among Kenyans who hold Cardinal Njue in high regard. Yet, as is becoming increasingly common, the speed at which misinformation spreads has raised questions about digital responsibility and fact-checking.
Father Charles Kinyua, a Catholic priest in Nairobi, also took to Facebook to shut down the rumours. “Cardinal is well. Stop the rumours please! I have just talked to him,” he wrote. This personal reassurance from a trusted cleric helped quash the speculation, though the damage caused by the false reports had already stirred unnecessary worry.
Born on 1 January 1946 in Embu County, Cardinal Njue has long been a prominent figure in Kenya’s religious landscape. His journey to the upper echelons of the Church began with his ordination as a priest in 1973 by Pope Paul VI. Over the years, he has held several significant positions, including Bishop of Embu, coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri, and finally Archbishop of Nairobi—a role he held for 14 years.
During his career, Cardinal Njue has been an influential voice in the Kenyan Catholic Church, chairing key commissions like the Justice and Peace Commission and the Episcopal Commission for Major Seminaries. He has consistently advocated for justice and peace, aligning himself with the concerns of ordinary Kenyans, particularly during times of political and social unrest.
Despite retiring from his role as Archbishop in 2021, Cardinal Njue continues to hold sway within the Church. His participation in global Church events, including the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013, further solidified his influence. He has been an active participant in synods focused on the pastoral challenges of the family and the mission of the Church in the modern world.
