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By Emmanuel Garjiek
South Sudanese authorities have dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that Jonglei State Governor Riek Gai Kok died while undergoing medical treatment in Nairobi, describing the information as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Press Secretary in the Office of the Governor, Manath Gany Lual, said the government had noted with concern the rumours that sparked panic among residents of Jonglei State and the wider South Sudanese community.
“The Office of the Press Unit, Jonglei State, categorically refutes and discredits the false information currently circulating in certain media outlets alleging that His Excellency Governor Riek Gai has passed away at Nairobi Hospital,” the statement said.
Officials confirmed that Governor Gai Kok, who was recently flown to Nairobi for specialised medical care after falling ill in South Sudan, is alive, stable, and responding well to treatment. The government added that he is expected to resume his official duties in due course.
Governor Gai Kok was appointed in March 2025 and has pursued a People’s First Agenda focused on restoring security, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening peacebuilding efforts in Jonglei State. Under his leadership, state authorities have reasserted control over key areas including Pajut, Yuai, Poktap, and Ayod, declaring them fully under government authority by early 2026.
The clarification comes at a time of renewed regional attention on South Sudan’s peace process, following the postponement of Nairobi-led talks last week amid political tensions in Juba. Kenya continues to play a central role in regional mediation efforts, although its involvement has at times strained relations with South Sudan, particularly over the presence in Nairobi of former army chief Paul Malong Awan.
Despite these diplomatic sensitivities, both governments maintain that cooperation remains vital to regional stability, as authorities in Juba urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information regarding the health and status of senior leaders
