Speaker Wetang'ula Addresses Health Rumors in Video, Dismisses 'Torch' Curse Speculations
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has broken his silence on swirling online rumors regarding his health, releasing a video via his social media to assure the public that he is in robust condition. The footage, which surfaced amid heightened speculation tied to the controversial "Torch" ritual surrounding the recent death of former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo, shows the Speaker appearing energetic and dismissing the gossip as baseless.
The release comes at a time when social media has been abuzz with unverified claims suggesting the Speaker's health had deteriorated, with some linking it to a supposed curse from the Tiriki community's traditional "torch" burial ritual performed at Jirongo's funeral.
The controversy stems from Jirongo's tragic death in a road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway last month. Jirongo, a prominent Luhya politician and former MP, was laid to rest in Western Kenya amid calls from some mourners to invoke the ancient Tiriki custom of burying the deceased with a lit torch. This ritual, believed by adherents to protect the soul of the departed and potentially curse those responsible for any foul play in their demise, sparked heated debate and division within the community.
Plans to include the torch in Jirongo's burial rites drew criticism from authorities, with Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli publicly dismissing the idea and promising a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident. "We will leave no stone unturned," Masengeli stated during a press briefing, emphasizing that the probe would rely on forensic evidence rather than cultural superstitions.
Despite the official stance, rumors persisted, particularly after Wetang'ula was named among 28 individuals who provided statements to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding Jirongo's death. Sources close to the inquiry indicate that the Speaker's involvement stems from his longstanding political ties to Jirongo, including shared histories in Western Kenyan politics. However, no allegations of wrongdoing have been leveled against Wetang'ula, and the DCI has described the statements as routine in building a comprehensive timeline of events.
The Speaker's office has not issued an official statement beyond the video, but aides confirmed to reporters that Wetang'ula remains fully engaged in his duties.
