Unverified reports claiming that former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju had died began spreading on social media over the weekend, causing alarm among Kenyans. However, a close associate of the veteran politician has come forward to dismiss these claims, saying they are completely false and asking the public to stop spreading unconfirmed information online.
Fanya Mambo Kinuthia, who describes himself as a personal friend of Tuju, took to Facebook on Monday morning to assure the public that the former Jubilee Party Secretary-General is alive and well.
According to Kinuthia, he had personally spoken with Tuju on Sunday evening and again on Monday morning, confirming that the respected political figure was in good health and doing fine.
"Good Monday morning. Today is Monday 3rd August 2026. I have seen some idle busy bodies who have nothing to do posting lots of nonsense about the Hon. Raphael Tuju. This great man here is a personal friend. And I speak to him so often. I spoke to him last evening and we spoke this morning. Raphael Tuju is ok.
He is fine. He is alive," Kinuthia posted on his social media account, seeking to put an end to the false rumours that had worried many Kenyans.
The confirmation from Kinuthia comes after false claims about Tuju's wellbeing had spread across social media platforms, causing concern among his friends, family members, the general public, and his associates. These unverified reports had sparked worry among many who were seeking clarity on the situation.
Tuju's Troubled Past Few Months
Raphael Tuju's recent difficulties began when he was arrested on March 23, 2026, after resurfacing following a period when he had been reported missing. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance had raised serious concerns.
He had gone out of contact on a Saturday evening, and a missing person report was subsequently filed at Karen Police Station.
During the period when Tuju was missing, his vehicle was found abandoned along Miotoni Lane with its hazard lights still blinking. His mobile phone was switched off, adding to the mystery of his disappearance. He was reported missing alongside his aide, Steve Mwanga.
Tuju's health condition deteriorated while he was in custody, and on March 24, 2026, he was rushed to Karen Hospital after his condition worsened.
His family members and legal representatives had raised serious concerns about his wellbeing while he was being held, pushing authorities to ensure he received urgent medical attention.
The Danger of Spreading Fake Death Reports
Kinuthia took the opportunity to strongly condemn the practice of sharing unverified claims about people's deaths on social media. He emphasized that information regarding someone's health or life should be handled with care and responsibility, noting that false reports can cause unnecessary fear and emotional pain to those involved and their loved ones.
"Kinuthia emphasized that information concerning someone's health or life should be handled carefully, noting that false reports can create unnecessary fear and emotional distress," he said in his statement.
He pointed out that such claims affect not only the individuals targeted but also their families, friends, and colleagues who become worried and confused.
Kinuthia drew a parallel to a previous incident where false reports about journalist Jeff Koinange's death had circulated online before being dismissed as untrue.
He expressed frustration with those who continue spreading such harmful misinformation, especially after learning from past incidents about the damage such fake news causes.
A Call for Responsible Online Behaviour
The statement from Kinuthia serves as a reminder to Kenyans about the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media platforms.
He urged members of the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information, particularly when it concerns people's lives and wellbeing.
"If you must post that someone is dead, please post your own father, or mother, or family members, not other people's family members," Kinuthia said, highlighting the personal impact that such false reports have on families and close associates.
Tuju, who has had a long career in Kenya's political landscape, previously served as a Cabinet Secretary under former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, where he was involved in coordinating government functions.
He also served as the Secretary-General of the Jubilee Party and previously represented Rarieda Constituency as a Member of Parliament between 2003 and 2007. He later contested the presidency during the 2007 General Election.
The confirmation of Tuju's wellbeing from someone who maintains regular contact with him should hopefully put to rest the false rumours that had been circulating online.
However, the incident once again highlights the persistent problem of misinformation on social media platforms and the need for Kenyans to be more careful and responsible when sharing information online.
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