Former Nairobi County chief officer Geoffrey Mosiria is recovering in hospital after he fell ill during an evening meeting in Nairobi on Thursday, October 29. A video of him lying in a hospital bed has set off a wave of prayers and get-well messages across Kenyan social media.

Mosiria posted a short clip on TikTok on Friday. He is in a hospital gown, with medical wires attached and a drip above the bed, and he keeps his eyes closed for much of the video. In the message that went with it, he said he "had an infection" that led to his admission at Nairobi Hospital, according to K24 Digital. He said he would be discharged once he was well and thanked colleagues and Kenyans for their prayers.

How he fell ill

Social media personality Obidan Dela, who was with him, said on Instagram that the day had started normally. He said Mosiria began feeling dizzy shortly after eating. According to Obidan, Mosiria was admitted to the High Dependency Unit, where doctors stabilised him and monitored his heart while they waited for a medical report. "At least he's stable now," he said.

The Standard's TNX Africa reported that activist Morara Kebaso, Duke Mainga and a colleague identified as Mirina took him to hospital. Claims of food poisoning have circulated online, but the hospital, Mosiria and his family have not confirmed them, and the exact diagnosis has not been made public.

Obidan asked Kenyans to give Mosiria room to rest. He said people who usually take complaints and requests to him should hold off for now, because a weakened Mosiria would struggle to keep helping others.

A turbulent month

His admission comes about a week after Governor Johnson Sakaja removed him as Chief Officer for Public Participation, Citizen Engagement and Customer Service. The change was announced in a circular dated October 21, and Zipporah Njeri Mwangi was named acting chief officer.

TNX Africa said the removal followed Mosiria's announcement that he would run for Nairobi governor in 2027. He had complained for a long time that he was being sidelined, his budget cut and his powers reduced. Before the reshuffle he had held the health facilities and environment portfolios.

A following built online

Mosiria became one of Nairobi's best-known county officials through filmed enforcement operations and by taking up the causes of ordinary residents. He recently offered to help former Real Househelps of Kawangware actor Onyi get rehabilitation and support.

Obidan has said a planned thanksgiving event for Mosiria will still go ahead once he recovers.

Photos: K24 Digital. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.