Truth About Viral Photo Of Matiang'i With Rachel Ruto

A photo of former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i with First Lady Rachel Ruto sent the internet into a frenzy on Monday, March 13.

The photo captured the two walking side by side with each other, with the member of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Cabinet dressing casually compared to Mama Rachel who rocked a navy blue suit.

It sent Kenyan netizens on overdrive with many wondering if this was one of the indications of a reported 'handshake' loading between Matiang'i and President William Ruto.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i with Rachel Ruto during a past event. /FACEBOOK.MAMA RACHEL RUTO

However, Viral Tea through a simple search on social media platforms traced the photo to as far back as October 22, 2019, back when Matiang'i was still steering the Ministry of Interior and Mama Rachel was the country's second lady.

The two had paid a visit to the Michael Joseph Centre on that day for an exhibition, with the First Lady at the time thanking Matiang'i for his support and presence at the exhibition.

"We would like to thank our CS Dr Fred Matiang'i Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Security in Kenya for the great support and for visiting the Cross stitch International Exhibition at the Michael Joseph centre this morning. Together we continue to support our ladies in prison and give them hope and dignity.

"We also thank PS Zeinab Hussein and Commissioner General Wycliffe O. Ogallo for walking this journey with us," Mama Rachel wrote in part.

Matiang'i on his part had met Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Sunday, March 12 in Nairobi in a meeting that also involved leaders from the Gusii region. 

The Gusii leaders meeting was chaired by Machogu, with reports indicating that the meeting was aimed at uniting all the Gusii leaders, no matter where they stand politically.

Solicitor General Nominee Shadrack Mose, former Deputy Majority leader Jimmy Angwenyi and wealth businessman John Simba were among those who attended the meeting.

Machogu was reported to have convened the meeting to quell the simmering political tension in the Kisii region following Matiang'i's summoning.

During the meeting, Matiang'i is said to have set the record straight regarding his woes with the current administration, further noting that his focus was now to work on his private activities saying that is why he has never attended political rallies or even a church function.

CS Machogu had initially vowed to consolidate all Gusii leaders to have the community realize its development agenda.

"I will meet and have discussions with all our leaders. We are working as a team to achieve our development goals. Nobody will be left out. Those interested in politicking will have themselves to blame.

"No region will be left out, our two counties will have a share of the national cake," he noted. 

The meeting came barely two days after an alleged State House meeting hosted by President Ruto and attended by MPs; Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Patrick Osero (Borabu) and Dr Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba) all elected on ODM party ticket.

The leaders are meeting ahead of President Ruto's scheduled tour of the Gusii region and homecoming ceremony for CS Machogu later in this month.

This will be the first meeting the former CS is attending with other Gusii leaders since he left office. Some of the leaders attending have not met with the former CS eye to eye since last year August when Kenya went to the polls.