National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula has dismissed online rumours claiming he had died, assuring Kenyans that he is alive, healthy, and fully engaged in his official duties.
On January 19, 2026, Wetang’ula posted a short video on social media to address the claims directly.
“Still alive, still kicking, still on duty. Handling parliamentary duties in Naivasha,” he stated in the clip.
The message quickly reassured the public after unverified reports spread widely online.
The rumours surfaced while Wetang’ula was on official travel. He had recently attended the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, India.
During the visit, he held talks with senior Indian parliamentary leaders aimed at strengthening ties between Kenya and India.
Wetang’ula met Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha; Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha; Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary General of the House of the People; and Indian MP Shashi Tharoor.
According to Wetang’ula, their discussions focused on deepening cooperation between the two legislatures, drawing from shared colonial history and parliamentary traditions.
He also urged the Indian Parliament to consider reviving training programmes for Kenyan parliamentary staff, particularly in legislative drafting. He noted that the programme stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to resume. The Speaker said both sides agreed to support stronger parliamentary friendship groups to improve engagement and skills exchange.
After returning to Kenya, Wetang’ula addressed the rumours head-on, using the video to confirm his wellbeing and refocus attention on his work. His response drew mixed reactions online. Many Kenyans welcomed the clarification and condemned the spread of false information, while others expressed scepticism but still wished him well.
While in India, Wetang’ula also visited Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi, who is undergoing medical treatment in Kerala. He informed the public that Wanyonyi was responding well to treatment and rehabilitation. Wetang’ula noted that Kerala remains a preferred destination for specialised medical care among many Kenyans.
Back in Kenya, the Speaker said Parliament would explore partnerships to support specialist medical training, research, and referral systems to strengthen the country’s healthcare capacity.
In his official role, Wetang’ula chaired the inaugural meeting of the 10-member Board of Trustees for the Members’ Post-Service Medical Scheme under the Parliamentary Service Commission. He stressed that the scheme is critical in supporting former Members of Parliament after they leave office.
“Many members face harsh realities after leaving Parliament,” he said, adding that the scheme aims to restore dignity through structured post-service medical support.
The meeting inducted trustees and received briefings on governance, finance, policy, and operations to ensure sustainable management of the scheme.
Despite the rumours, Wetang’ula remained active in his responsibilities, using the moment to reaffirm his leadership and ongoing commitment to parliamentary welfare and international cooperation.
