By IP Reporter
NAIROBI, Kenya (Dec. 25, 2024).
Nominated Kenyan Senator Gloria Orwoba has refuted allegations linking her romantically to former Ghanaian President John Kufuor, dismissing them as unfounded and defamatory.
The allegations, first reported by a Kenyan national newspaper in an article titled “Orwoba Love Affair with President Kufuor: Bundle of Joy,” claimed the senator had given birth to a child fathered by the 86-year-old former president.
The story has since sparked widespread public speculation in both Kenya and Ghana.
Speaking to reporters, Orwoba demanded a retraction and a public apology from the publication.
“These allegations are false, baseless, and damaging to my reputation. It is unacceptable for anyone to perpetuate such untruths without evidence,” she said.
Former President Kufuor, who served as Ghana’s leader from 2001 to 2009, has not directly addressed the rumors.
However, sources close to him have reportedly dismissed the claims as fabricated.
In Ghana, some have criticized the media for what they see as sensational reporting.
“Why would anyone make up such stories about Kufuor? The man has contributed so much to our nation. He deserves better,” tweeted a user from Accra.
In Kenya, opinions have been divided. Some social media users have defended Orwoba.
“This is just another example of how women in leadership are unfairly targeted. Shame on the media,” wrote a supporter on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Others, however, questioned the senator’s frequent involvement in controversies.
“Why is Orwoba always in the middle of scandals? First, it was her stunt in Parliament; now this. She’s becoming a distraction,” commented a user on Facebook.
Orwoba is no stranger to public scrutiny. In February 2023, she made headlines when she was asked to leave a parliamentary session due to a visible menstrual stain on her white suit.
She later revealed the act was intentional to raise awareness about period stigma.
Later that year, she faced a six-month suspension from Parliament after accusing unnamed colleagues of soliciting sexual favors, claims she failed to substantiate.
Kufuor, on the other hand, is celebrated for his role in Ghana’s economic growth and democratic consolidation.
The widowed former president served as the chairperson of the African Union from 2007 to 2008.
As the rumors continue to circulate, both Orwoba and Kufuor have urged the public to dismiss them.
The senator reiterated her commitment to her legislative duties, while Kufuor’s supporters called for respect for his legacy.
Despite their denials, the story has underscored the challenges public figures face in the age of instant and often unverified information sharing.
Ends.
