Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok Airlifted to Kenya After Falling Ill
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Jonglei Deputy Governor Wilson Wol Kajang, who is now acting as governor, told media on Wednesday that Gai’s condition was stable, denying social media reports that he was in critical condition.
By The City Review
Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok was airlifted to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday for medical treatment after falling ill while on official duty in Duk County, his deputy said.
Deputy Governor Wilson Wol Kajang, who is now acting as governor, told media on Wednesday that Gai’s condition was stable, denying social media reports that he was in critical condition.
“The governor did not collapse. He experienced a spike in blood pressure and traveled from Duk to Bor for a medical check-up. From Bor, he went to Juba, and then to Nairobi, where he is receiving medical care,” Wol said.
He added that he spoke with the governor on Wednesday morning and that he was doing well.
A senior government official, who declined to be named, confirmed that the governor had fallen ill in Duk County, where tensions remain high due to insecurity. The official said: “It is true that the governor fell ill while in Duk County. He has a history of high blood pressure, and his proximity to the front lines, coupled with the harsh weather and developments related to the war, may have contributed to his elevated blood pressure.”
The official added that Gai was rushed to Bor on Monday before being airlifted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to Juba. From there, his family arranged for his transfer to Nairobi on Tuesday.
The official denied claims that the governor had suffered food poisoning.
“The governor did not suffer any food poisoning. His security and protocol teams are responsible for his safety. These claims are false and appear to be intended to stir up tension between communities,” the source said.
State discounts death rumours
Meanwhile, Jonglei State authorities dismissed as false and misleading recent social media reports that claimed that Governor Gai died at a hospital in Nairobi.
The rumors, which circulated widely online outlets, alleged that the governor had passed away while receiving treatment in Kenya, sparking confusion and concern among residents.
In an official press release, Manath Gany Lual, Press Secretary in the Office of the Governor, categorically denied the claims and reassured the public about the governor’s condition.
“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 read in part.
According to the press unit, Governor Gai is alive, in stable condition, and responding well to medical care.
Officials said his health is steadily improving and he is expected to resume his official duties after recovery.
“We hereby clarify that Governor Riek Gai is alive, in stable condition, and receiving appropriate medical care. His health continues to improve, and he is expected to resume his official duties in due course,” the statement added.
Gany described the circulating death reports as baseless and intended to cause unnecessary alarm among the public.
Authorities urged citizens to ignore the rumors and remain cautious about unverified information.
The office reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and timely communication with the people of Jonglei State.
“We urge all media practitioners and the general public to exercise responsibility by verifying information before circulation, in order to maintain peace, trust, and stability within our community.”
Gai, a member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), was appointed governor of Jonglei State in March 2015 by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. He replaced Mahjoub Bil Turok and was sworn in on March 10, 2025.
He previously served as the national minister of health.
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“The governor did not suffer any food poisoning. His security and protocol teams are responsible for his safety. These claims are false and appear to be intended to stir up tension between communities,” an anonymous official said.
