Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba, is in Nairobi for medical treatment, her office has confirmed.
The Office of the Speaker issued a statement on February 25 dismissing widespread social media claims that she collapsed in her office and was urgently evacuated abroad. Officials described the reports as false and misleading.
According to the statement, the visit to Nairobi is a planned medical trip for a routine check-up as part of the Speaker’s regular health management. The office stressed that the trip was not an emergency.
“We wish to clarify that the Rt. Hon. Speaker is currently in Nairobi for a medical check-up. This is a standard health practice, not an emergency,” the statement read.
The Office further stated that Speaker Nunu Kumba is in good health and remains in high spirits. She is expected to resume her official duties after completing the medical visit.
The rumours had triggered public concern and sparked speculation about the stability of South Sudan’s legislative leadership. Parliament plays a key role in implementing the 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending years of civil conflict and rebuilding national institutions.
The Speaker’s Office warned that spreading unverified information about the health of national leaders could undermine public confidence and create unnecessary panic.
“Irresponsible reporting and politically charged insinuations not only mislead the public but also risk undermining confidence in national institutions,” the statement added.
The Office thanked members of the public for their concern and urged citizens to verify information before sharing news about officials’ health.
The clarification comes just two weeks after the South Sudanese government dismissed similar rumours regarding Jonglei State Governor Riek Gai Kok. Authorities had refuted claims that he died while undergoing treatment in Nairobi.
Through the Press Secretary in the Office of the Governor, Manath Gany Lual, the government issued an official statement describing those reports as false.
