Nyeri County has been forced to respond to claims that Governor Mutahi Kahiga is critically ill and is currently in the United States of America for treatment.
Responding to allegations by a local blogger who noted that the governor had been admitted at a US hospital, the county exclaimed: "Our attention has been drawn to a false post that is circulating on social media, emanating from a Facebook account that has previously spun outright lies and is seemingly at it again.
"We would like to assure the people of Nyeri County that H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga is well and in the USA together with a section of senior officials, to meet investors. The delegation from Nyeri, led by Governor Kahiga, is in the USA for an inter-city exchange program between Nyeri and Reston City in the USA.
"Nyeri-Reston relations previously existed in the past and have since been revived for the mutual benefit of its citizenry," the statement read in part.
[caption caption="File image of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga"]
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The county's communication director Carol Nderi called on Kenyans to dismiss any rumours of the governor's illness.
She reiterated: "Governor Mutahi Kahiga is well and sound and will be back to Kenya next week to carry on with his gubernatorial duties."
Additionally, Ms Nderi cautioned against any person planning to propagate lies concerning the governor's condition, asserting that drastic measures will be taken against them.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Ms Nderi reiterated that the County boss is well and that action has already been taken against those peddling the falsehood.
"We have already reported the issue to the relevant authorities who have assured us they will deal with the matter," Ms Nderi told Kenyans.co.ke.
The Facebook account which posted those claims is run by a one Daniel William, who also alleged that the Governor has collapsed four times in his office since he started his tenure.
"Word had it that he would visit his doctor during intense campaigns," his post stated.
The county is currently in the hands of newly appointed Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu.
[caption caption="File image of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga his deputy governor Carol Karugu and Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu"]
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