Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok was flown to Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Tuesday for medical treatment after falling ill while on official duty in Duk County, his deputy said.
Deputy Governor Wilson Wuol Gajang, who is acting governor, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that Gai was in stable condition, dismissing social media reports that his condition was critical.
“The governor did not collapse. He developed high blood pressure and travelled from Duk to Bor for a medical check-up. From Bor he proceeded to Juba and then to Nairobi, where he is receiving medical attention,” Wuol said.
He added that he had spoken to the governor on Wednesday morning and that he was feeling well.
A senior state official, who declined to be named, also confirmed that the governor had fallen ill in Duk County, where tensions remain high due to insecurity.
“It is true that the governor fell ill while in Duk County. He has a history of high blood pressure, and his presence near the frontline, combined with harsh weather and war-related developments, may have elevated his hypertension,” the official said.
The official said Gai was rushed to Bor on Monday before being airlifted by the United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to Juba, from where his family arranged his transfer to Nairobi on Tuesday.
He dismissed 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 intended to create inter-communal tension,” he said.
Gai, a member of the ruling SPLM, was appointed governor of Jonglei State in March 2025 by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. He replaced Mahjoub Biel Turuk and was sworn in on March 10, 2025.
He previously served as national minister of health.