PS Muthoni: I never cried in that viral video, I was meditating

Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni in an interview with TV47/HANDOUT

Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni has dismissed claims that she was crying in a viral social media video, saying she was simply reflecting on the challenges facing the country.

The video, which she posted on the social media platform TikTok on Saturday, March 7, attracted widespread attention online after viewers interpreted her emotional appearance as a sign that she was overwhelmed.

In the clip, Muthoni appeared quiet and contemplative as an inspirational gospel song played in the background, prompting many users to suggest that the public health official was on the verge of tears.

However, speaking during an interview with TV47, the PS clarified that she had not been crying and urged members of the public not to misinterpret the video.

“I never cried in that video; I have not cried in a long time,” Muthoni stated.

She explained that the moment captured in the video was her personal way of meditating and reflecting on issues affecting Kenyans, particularly the impact of recent floods and the potential public health challenges that could follow.

“We all meditate differently and we all have our own different reflections,” she said.

According to the PS, her responsibilities in the public health sector often require deep reflection on the well-being of the population and the risks that communities face.

“I can tell you for a fact, having worked in public health, I have too many reflections to do every day," she said.

“I worry about you; I worry about somebody else.”

Muthoni noted that recent incidents, including reports of people being swept away by floodwaters, have heightened concerns about possible disease outbreaks in affected areas.

“The other day we saw people being swept by flood waters, and having looked at where we have come from and what we have done as a country, it became clear that we are staring at outbreaks of malaria, diseases,” she said.

“I do not want to say these are things that may not happen, but I want to say these are the things that keep me awake at night.”

She emphasised that the video represented a moment of connection with Kenyans rather than a display of distress.

“But I want to say we reflect differently and we connect differently. That was my way of connecting with the people,” Muthoni added.

The PS said the clip was recorded and shared on a particularly difficult day as many families struggled with the impact of heavy rains and flooding.

“Saturday was a very sad day, and the video was posted on Saturday. It was when your workers slept in town, people you knew did not have anything to eat because their kiosks were swept away,” she said.

Muthoni maintained that she remains composed and focused on her duties.

“The PS is okay; I am very sober; nobody should circulate the video saying I was crying,” she said.