A video has emerged of Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii appearing to nearly collapse during a public event on August 13.
The footage, reportedly taken at the launch of a new building, shows Bii standing with a crowd of attendees, some of whom are dressed in religious attire.
While a religious leader leads a prayer session, Bii can be seen staggering and almost losing his balance.
The men standing next to him, including his bodyguards, quickly rushed to support him and prevent him from falling.
A video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke shows the men escorting the county boss away from the crowd.
Governor Bii’s office has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident or his current health status.
This is not the first time that leaders have experienced health issues during public events. Some leaders who have experienced issues in public include:
Raila Odinga
During a campaign rally in Malindi in 2016, a podium collapsed under a number of Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leaders, including Raila Odinga and then Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.
While this was an infrastructure failure rather than a health issue, the incident resulted in the leaders falling from the stage.
Nderitu Gachagua
Nderitu Gachagua, the late former Governor of Nyeri who was battling pancreatic cancer, was known to experience health scares and was often seen looking frail in public.
He reportedly jeopardised his health by attending a Senate hearing in Nairobi to defend himself against an impeachment motion, thereby missing a scheduled therapy session in London.
His deteriorating health was a matter of public record as he continued to perform his duties.
Nicholas Biwott
The late veteran politician, Nicholas Biwott, was seen to be in declining health in his final years. He appeared frail during public functions in the months before his death, although he had kept details of his health matters private.
In 2017, he was seen leaving a public event with the help of his aides.
