Gates Foundation denies claims Bill Gates behind release of ‘modified mosquitoes’ on Kenyans
By Kenneth Gachie – Published February 9, 2026 �
Citizen Digital
The Gates Foundation has firmly denied reports circulating on social media suggesting its founder, billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates, is behind a rapid surge in the number of mosquitoes in Kenya. �
Citizen Digital
In a statement released to clarify its role in Kenya’s public health sector, the foundation described these rumours as “false,” saying it is not involved in any unauthorised biological interventions. �
Citizen Digital
These claims were shared widely online after some Kenyans — including senior counsel and politician Paul Muite — took to social media platform X, alleging that mosquitoes were being released from laboratories tied to the Gates Foundation. The posts further claimed the mosquitoes were biting people, especially children and the elderly. �
Citizen Digital
One such post read:
“Our Capital City Nairobi, is now flooded with mosquitoes released from your laboratories to eliminate the malaria-carrying ones we’re told. We believe your genetically modified mosquitoes are designed to harm us. They’re now busy biting children and the elderly.” – Post shared on X. �
Citizen Digital
In response, the foundation emphasised in a statement on X that:
It does not release mosquitoes anywhere, including in Kenya.
It does not operate laboratories that release insects.
It does not run mosquito or vector-control activities in Nairobi or elsewhere. �
Citizen Digital
The foundation said it is aware of the social media posts making the claims and categorically denied them, calling them inaccurate. �
Citizen Digital
It further explained that its work in Kenya follows national laws and that it supports Kenyan-led priorities rather than directing health policy or circumventing local protocols. �
Citizen Digital
“In Kenya, malaria prevention and control efforts are led by Kenyan authorities and institutions, in accordance with national laws and regulatory oversight,” the foundation said, adding that it works “transparently and responsibly, alongside governments, researchers, and public health partners.” �
Citizen Digital
The article notes that Muite’s claim sparked varied reactions online, with many users echoing similar concerns and suggesting that mosquitoes are being mass-produced and released into the public. �
Citizen Digital
The denial comes amid ongoing challenges with malaria in the region. Currently, Kenya’s National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) — part of the Ministry of Health — leads distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying to combat the disease. �
Citizen Digital
While the Gates Foundation does fund global research into innovative tools (such as the World Mosquito Program or Target Malaria), the article highlighted that any such operational activities in Kenya are managed by local experts and subject to state regulation. �
Citizen Digital
Last edited: