Through a statement released on Sunday, January 2, the former Vice President’s communications team condemned the reports terming them malicious and unfounded.
Head of Communications, Paloma Gatabaki, stated that the fake reports were being propagated by individuals with the sole aim of spinning the facts and pushing hateful content for their own personal gains.
“It is unfortunate we live in a time when people spend their minutes trying to get the most clicks and not tell the truth
“It [is] even more unfortunate when senior politicians post messages of condolence on their official social media pages without verification of the source. For one with a purported media background, this lapse in judgment is incredibly thoughtless,” part of the statement read.
Kalonzo’s aide, Dennis Kavisu sharing a statement to a local media publication stating that Pauline Musyoka was recuperating.
The clarification regarding’s the health status of Kalonzo’s wife were shared by Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula through his social media page noting that Pauline was well and kicking.
“I am in a meeting with Steve Kalonzo, and Cyrus Jirongo at Steve’s residence. Mama Pauline is alive, safe, and sound. This is fake news at its highest crudity,” Wetangula stated.
Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr also shared the same information. “Treat the [Pauline Musyoka] death reports as fake,†he said.
The unconfirmed reports of her passing were first shared by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua who was left with egg on his face.
He was forced to delete the social media posts after it emerged that he was misled. He further sent an apology to the family and the nation.
“I wish to apologise for the earlier post about the family of H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka. This was a result of misinformation and a hoax from several players, some, seemingly credible and close to H.E. Kalonzo, who made it seem like a message to me about the family. People can be evil.
“My sincere apologies for any anxiety caused. Happily, all is well. God bless you.â€
Despite apologising, Kenyans have called out Mutua for sharing such sensitive information without confirming with the family first and for chasing clout.
This comes just a day after Kalonzo opened shared his wife’s health status revealing that she was recovering after battling illnesses for long.
“Mama is stable and we thank God. We continue to pray for a miracle,†Kalonzo stated.
He added, ” “She is a mobilizer, I miss that. I was sharing with you how before 2013 Governor Kiraitu Murungi came to my house and said ‘mama has outsmarted us that was before I teamed up with Raila and then we lost everything in Meru.”
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
