Nairobi County governor Mike Sonko on Monday found himself in an embarrassing situation after announcing the death of ex-Nairobi County Secretary Dr Robert Ayisi, who was still alive.  

Sonko was forced to retract the statement after realising the magnitude of his blunder of announcing the death and sending condolences to a man who was still in the land of the living.

The family later confirmed that in deed Dr Ayisi was still alive but had been admitted at the Mater Hospital in Nairobi for a while and was receiving treatment for an undisclosed disease.

In the condolences that he shared on his social media platforms, Sonko alleged that Dr Ayisi, who is a former County Secretary, had died from complications brought about by Covid-19.

“It is with great sorrow and sadness that I announce the death of Dr Robert Ayisi, former County secretary and CEC Health, Nairobi County Government who has also served for a few months with my administration. He will be remembered for his role in streamlining the health sector in Nairobi County,” Sonko posted.

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He added: “My deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying moment. You can count on our support. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Covid-19, especially the 2nd wave is real."

His colossal blunder went viral and was even shared as breaking news by some media houses before the county boss retracted his statement remaining with stinking egg on his face.

Dr Ayisi served at City Hall during the tenure of former city governor Dr Evans Kidero and never, at any point, served as Health CEC as Sonko alleged in his embarrassing condolence statement.