Najib Balala during a past event/COURTESY
Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has dismissed reports about his well-being, assuring friends, former colleagues and the public that he is well and in good spirits.
Balala said he was aware of the information circulating about his health but described it as misleading and unfounded.
“I am well and in good spirits. I am aware of the misleading information that has been circulating, but I want to assure everyone that it is unfounded,” Balala said.
Reports were circulating on social media claiming that Balala was unwell, prompting messages of condolence to his family.
In a post on X, Philip Etale said he had initially shared the report after seeing it circulated widely, before a mutual friend and close associate of Balala informed him that it was false.
Etale apologised to Balala for amplifying the report and said he regretted his actions, while wishing the former Cabinet secretary good health and safety.
Balala thanked those who reached out to him following the circulation of the reports.
“I appreciate the concern and kind thoughts from friends and colleagues,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to God for his protection, adding the Islamic expression, “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel”.
Balala served as Tourism Cabinet Secretary across successive administrations and has remained a prominent figure in Kenya’s public and political affairs.
His statement sought to reassure those who had been concerned by the reports and dismiss speculation about his condition.
