Scobie was given this earth shattering info while writing the second book, so he waits 3, probably closer to 4yr. to reveal a story no one cares about.
I'm sure this revelation was only to bring attention to his latest book. I've read a couple of reviews and neither was favorable.
Actually, the mediator story did float around the tabloids for a short time a few years ago. Scobie is regurgitating a known story from the media.