Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has dismissed reports that she is admitted to a hospital in London.
Through a statement on Friday, May 2, the Senator acknowledged that she was indeed in London, but was on vacation following the recess the Senate took.
''As you are aware, the Senate is currently on a short recess, which began on April 18 and will end on May 5. I have taken this opportunity to step away from my busy schedule for a brief vacation here in London. I am in excellent health, full of energy, and fully prepared to resume my oversight duties next week,'' the Senator wrote.
The clarification came after Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika claimed that the Senator was unwell and admitted in London.
Kihika was speaking during an interview with a vernacular station on Thursday, where she wished her a quick recovery.
"I want to wish a quick recovery to Senator Tabitha Karanja, I know she is in a hospital in London,'' Kihika said.
The senator, however, dismissed these claims, linking the information to fake news propagated by bloggers allegedly paid by the Nakuru County government. Karanja advised those spreading the rumours to stop the misinformation.
"These are fake news being spread by paid bloggers and social media influencers, unfortunately, some of whom are being financed by officials within the county government using public resources," Karanja continued.
In what appears to be an attack on the county leadership, the senator advised the county to redirect the funds used to pay bloggers towards development projects instead.
"These funds should instead be channeled toward meaningful development for our people," the senator continued.
Karanja, who revealed she would be back in the country next week, assured the people of Nakuru that she was committed to fulfilling her constitutional responsibilities of oversight and accountability.
The senator, who has been at loggerheads with the county boss, maintained that no amount of intimidation would deter her from her oversight responsibility.
"No amount of intimidation will deter me from executing my roles in oversight, representation, and legislation," the senator continued.
Reports of her absence come weeks after the county also experienced the prolonged absence of their governor, who spent over five months in the US while on maternity leave.
