Kenyans React After Health PS Mary Muthoni Shares Video of Herself Crying Online

The video of Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, crying has triggered different reactions from Kenyans on various social media platforms.

The video, which has been trending on TikTok by the PS herself, has attracted thousands of comments from Kenyans speculating about the challenges that come with working in the government.

Mary Muthoni’s video has triggered different opinions among Kenyans, with some sympathizing with the PS, while others ask why Kenyans should sympathize with government officials.

Others have criticized the PS for crying, arguing that it was not a good time for her to do so.

Among those who reacted was X user @Celestial_Elite, who stated that it could be as a result of the pressures within government, stating: “That environment ya government is extremely toxic, she still has her conscience, if you keen you’ll notice someone like itumbi rotting with each day gone. Ajitoe tu mapema kabla akue roho mbaya Ka elachi.”

Another user, @kim_kikwai, reacted in a similar manner, stating that those in government, especially in key ministries, must be having it rough.

“Those in such positions must be having it rough. The way things seem to be running in this Regime isn’t anything anyone would love to get involved in. More especially anything to do with the Ministry of Health,” Kikwai stated.

Mixed Public Sympathy Online

However, the emotional video also drew sharp criticism from some Kenyans who argued that public officials should be held accountable rather than pitied.

User @jakisumo20 criticized what they saw as misplaced sympathy from the public, posting: “Why do we have to sympathize with these gvt officials for Christ’s sake? I mean, they should be the ones weeping and crying all through the night. Why do we have to feel sympathetic to them? I’m sad it’s just one crying. It should have been all of them!!”

Others questioned the power dynamics and internal tensions within government structures.

X user @ThashJack claimed the working environment in government could be difficult depending on political and ethnic dynamics, stating: “It’s harsh working for this government unless you are a Kalenjin or Somali. You can be a PS, but you can’t give orders to a parastatal clerk who is a Kalenjin.”

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Speculation and Political Undertones

Apart from sympathy and criticism, other users also had a lot to say concerning speculation about the possible political undertones involved.

@koliech was of the view that the emotional moment could be a result of “sibling rivalry” since “Maybe these are signs of ‘sibling rivalry’! – Oluga, a new kid on the block, is getting preferential presidential treatment. And Muthoni is wondering why.”

@Omudi_Hermes also had a lot to say concerning the challenges that come with the high responsibility that comes with a senior government position.

He mentioned that “Kibaki fired a lady P.S from the coast, she took a fall for corruption, she had a tall building next to Kamau’s famous club opposite the Mtwapa weighbridge. She went mad, and her big building stalled. It’s not easy being at the top and the only godfather you have is your body.”

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Debate Over Personal Life and Leadership

The video also sparked controversial commentary regarding gender roles and expectations placed on women in leadership positions.

X user @edwin_shoo wrote: “She needs a man, a husband and children and great grandchildren, a family. She is experiencing the mood swings that come with having a womb. A woman’s place will always be in a home, as a wife and a mother. See need more than Jesus.”

Others dismissed the controversy altogether, arguing that public officials are entitled to private emotional moments.

User @art_marge66748 wrote: “Y’all got a lot of problems out here, she’s probably enjoying her private moments. So what, she’s supposed to be smiling all the time?”

As the conversation continues to unfold on the social media platform, the incident has sparked a new dialogue about the pressures of senior government officials, what the people expect of them, and the scrutiny they face in Kenya’s political sphere.

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Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni speaking during a community engagement in Ngiriambu, on January 15, 2026. (Photo: X/Ministry of Health)