Tanzania’s Information, Culture, Arts and Sports minister Innocent Bashungwa has warned the country’s media against speculating on the health and whereabouts of President John Pombe Magufuli. 

Bashungwa, in a tweet, told journalists and other members of the media to only collect and relay information from trusted sources and ignore “rumours” spreading on the matter.

The Minister, who is also the MP for Karagwe, warned journalists that the Tanzanian government will take action, according to the law, against those who broadcast such “rumours”.

“Natoa wito kwa wanahabari na wananchi wetu kuendelea na utaratibu wa kupata taarifa kupitia vyanzo rasmi vya habari. Kutumia rumours/uvumi kama habari rasmi ni kukiuka sheria zinazosimamia sekta ya habari. Epukeni kusambaza habari ambazo mtawajibika nazo” Bashungwa posted on Twitter.

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This comes as Tanzanians and others in the region have been seeking information on the status of President Magufuli, who has been away from public limelight for weeks now.

This also comes amid reports circulating and reported by Kenyan media that a prominent “African leader” had been hospitalised in Nairobi with what is suspected to be Covid-19.

Tens of top officials in Magufuli’s administration have fallen sick and died with Covid-19-like symptoms in the last few months fueling speculations on spiking infections in the country.