Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has dismissed claims that she broke down in a viral social media video, clarifying that she was not crying but merely reflecting on the challenges facing the country.
Speaking on Monday, March 9, during an interview on TV47, Muthoni addressed the viral TikTok clip that showed her appearing emotional, explaining that her demeanor was a moment of deep reflection rather than distress.
“Yes, I know there is a video that went viral, purportedly showing me crying. Do I look like someone who can easily break down?” she posed. “We all meditate differently, and we all have one reflection, and I can tell you for a fact, having worked in public health, I have too many reflections to do every day.”
The PS noted that the pressures of managing Kenya’s health sector often require moments of introspection, shaped by the numerous challenges she faces daily. She said the video captured her reflecting on recent tragic events, including the devastating floods that have claimed lives across the country.
“The other day I saw people being swept by the floods, and having looked at where we have come from and how much we have done, and then I am glaring at outbreaks of diseases; these are things that keep me awake at night,” she said.
Muthoni added that her reflections stem from the immense responsibility of safeguarding the health of millions of Kenyans amid persistent disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
Despite widespread speculation, the PS maintained that she had not cried in a long time, describing the video as her personal way of connecting with the public.
“This is just my way of connecting with people. Saturday was a really sad day, and that video was posted on Saturday. I am very sober and very okay; I was not crying, I was just reflecting,” she clarified.
The TikTok video, posted on Saturday, March 7, has since garnered over 158,000 impressions, 5,308 likes, and more than 400 comments. It was accompanied by an inspirational gospel song, which many viewers interpreted as a sign of emotional distress.
Muthoni’s clarification comes amid growing public interest in the video, with many Kenyans expressing empathy for the PS and acknowledging the emotional toll of her role in managing the country’s health challenges.
