National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has moved to dispel widespread rumours claiming that Kwanza Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi had passed away, terming the reports “wicked, malicious, and completely unfounded.”
Addressing the House on Thursday, Wetang’ula confirmed that the Kwanza legislator, who had been admitted at Nairobi Hospital for about a month, was transferred to India for specialised treatment on the advice of his doctors.
“I want to inform the House that the Honourable Ferdinand Wanyonyi, the Member for Kwanza, is currently unwell,” Wetang’ula said. “Doctors recommended that he be taken to India for further treatment. He is now in India.”
The Speaker emphasised that Wanyonyi is receiving proper medical care and is responding positively to treatment.
“Yesterday, I had a conference call with him and his spouse, who accompanied him,” he said. “This morning, the Clerk also communicated with him. I am sharing this to address malicious rumours circulating in his constituency suggesting that he has passed away.”
Wetang’ula went on to criticise those spreading misinformation, urging the public to show compassion rather than fueling unnecessary panic.
“He is in a hospital in India, responding well to treatment, and is there with his wife and daughter. I have personally communicated with him,” he stressed.
The Speaker reminded MPs and members of the public that health challenges can affect anyone and should be met with empathy, not speculation. His remarks follow a wave of misleading messages circulating on social media and within Wanyonyi’s constituency in Trans Nzoia County.
Ferdinand Wanyonyi has been the Member of Parliament for Kwanza Constituency since 2013, representing the FORD-Kenya Party. Over the past decade, he has established himself as a key voice in matters of education, agriculture, and economic development.
Wanyonyi began his schooling at Misikhu Primary School in Webuye before joining Kibabii High School for O Level studies. He later attended Maseno School for A Level education.
He went on to graduate from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Education in Economics, a qualification that shaped his interest in economic governance and policy formulation.
Political Journey
Wanyonyi entered elective politics in 2013 and won the Kwanza parliamentary seat, a position he successfully defended in the 2017 and 2022 general elections.
In Parliament, he has served on several key committees, including:
- Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock
- National Government Constituencies Development Committee
His work has focused on improving agricultural productivity, strengthening local development initiatives, and promoting access to education.
Families, Leaders Urged to Ignore Rumours
Wetang’ula’s assurance comes as relief to constituents and colleagues who had been unsettled by false death claims. The Speaker urged Kenyans to verify information before sharing it and to respect the privacy of leaders facing health challenges.
Wanyonyi continues to receive treatment in India, accompanied by his wife and daughter. Officials say he is stable and improving.
