FACT CHECK: Viral Image Showing Alfed Mutua Kneeling Down Before Ruto

A viral image purporting to show Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua kneeling beside President William Ruto has been widely circulated on social media, which has ignited public debate and speculation.

The image, which shows Mutua kneeling on a red carpet at the dais while the President addresses a gathering, was shared widely on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with claims that it was taken during an official government event.

The photo was linked to the launch of the KSh258.4 million NYOTA Business Capital Support programme, which benefitted 10,337 young entrepreneurs from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties. The event was held at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Monday, January 19, 2026, and was presided over by President Ruto.

Mutua Dismisses Photo Depicting Him in a Compromising Situation

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary Mutua dismissed the image as fake, stating that it had been digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence.

“I wish to alert the public that a manipulated, AI-generated image is currently circulating online, falsely portraying me in a compromising and misleading situation. The image is not real,” Mutua said.

He added that the altered image was intended to mislead the public and spread misinformation, urging Kenyans to verify information from credible sources before sharing it.

“Let us work together to stop the spread of digital misinformation,” he added.

On his social media platforms, the Labour CS posted the image that was digitally manipulated to drive a certain narrative.

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Labor CS Shares Original Photo

Alfred Mutua also shared what he said was the authentic photo.

The image closely resembles the one he dismissed as fake, with the only difference being that in the original photo, he is standing beside the Head of State on the dais, while in the alleged manipulated image, he appears to be kneeling.

A verification by Hivileo established that the viral image is not authentic and does not reflect what occurred during the Kasarani event.

No official footage or photographs from the function show the Cabinet Secretary kneeling at any point.

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Despite this, a section of social media users and influencers circulated the image alongside claims suggesting Mutua was kneeling to please the President or out of fear of losing his position.

Some posts went further to allege that Cabinet secretaries were now being forced to kneel before the Head of State, claims that remain unsubstantiated.

Based on available evidence, official statements, and verification of event footage, Hivileo concludes that the viral image is fake and misleading.

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Photo of Labor CS Alfred Mutua and President Wiliam Ruto. PHOTO/Mutua