Tanzanian Diplomat Reveals Status of Magufuli's Health
Kipilimba's comment is the first from a Tanzanian official about the president's situation since speculations about his health rang across social media.
Marvin Chege 
Tanzania's ambassador in Windhoek, Namibia, Modestus Kipilimba on Friday, March 12 addressed reports concerning the absence of President John Pombe Magufuli.
Kipilimba was quoted by a Namibian broadcaster as stating that Magufuli is in good health and working normally.
"High commissioner Kipilimba dismissed the reports, saying Magufuli is in Tanzania going about his normal duties," the Namibian broadcaster quoted the Tanzanian diplomat.
Kipilimba's comment is the first from a Tanzanian official about the president's situation since speculations about his health rang across social media.
Many pointed a finger at Nairobi Hospital where Magufuli was alleged to have been admitted. However, Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu claimed on Wednesday, March 10 that President Magufuli was flown to India from Nairobi for treatment.
Lissu added that the president was transferred to avoid what would have been a social media embarrassment from Kenyans, particularly on Twitter.
"Kenyans do not want the embarrassment if the worst happens in Kenya. His COVID denialism is in tatters, his prayers over science folly has turned into a deadly boomerang!" Lissu wrote on Twitter.
Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Innocent Bashungwa, on March 10 warned journalists and media houses against spreading unverified information following the long public absence of President John Magufuli.
“I am calling upon journalists and citizens to continue using official channels of information. Using rumors instead of the official channels is breaking the law. Avoid spreading information which you will be liable to,” Bashungwa posted on social media.
Daily Nation on Tuesday, March 9 sent tongues wagging on social media after one of their feature stories appeared to have concealed Magufuli's identity as the VIP guest at Nairobi hospital, which refused to offer an official comment.
