By Titilope Adako

South Sudan’s government has firmly denied rumours claiming that President Salva Kiir is dead.

The 73-year-old leader, who has faced ongoing speculation about his health, was reported on social media late Wednesday to have “kicked the bucket,” according to a Kenyan personality.

However, recent photos show Kiir meeting with visiting officials and making significant government reshuffles.

He has also taken strong action against his rival, First Vice-President Riek Machar, placing him under house arrest along with several of his allies.

South Sudan’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday, strongly rejecting the death rumours as “false and malicious,” calling them “entirely baseless and irresponsible” and accusing enemies of peace and stability of spreading them.

The denial comes amid renewed insecurity, as clashes between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar have erupted across the country, raising fears of a return to civil war.

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