Nairobi News

When a politician or a public figure cries in public, it can evoke a range of reactions and interpretations from the public and the media.

The display of emotion by public figures is often scrutinized and analyzed, as it can have both positive and negative implications for their image and public perception.

On Tuesday, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja found himself overwhelmed with emotions while delivering a speech at Roysambu Primary School on the challenges that public schools in Nairobi face.

The incident occurred during the launch of the Nairobi County School Feeding program, attended by President William Ruto.

Also read: Sakaja weeps at school feeding programme launch

However, Sakaja is not the first Kenyan public figures to openly shed tears. Among them is gospel singer Jimmy Gait who broke down on national TV way back in 2017 during an interview on NTV’s show, The Trend.

Gait’s tears were triggered by the incessant social media memes mocking one of his songs, Yesu Ndie Sponsor. Unfortunately, his emotional moment only fueled further ridicule from unforgiving Kenyans on Twitter.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also had his share of tearful moments. He once filmed and shared a video of himself crying after winning a petition challenging his victory as Nairobi Governor. Sonko had previously shed tears of joy during his victory speech after the 2013 elections.

Former Starehe Constituency Member of Parliament Charles Njagua, popularly known as Jaguar, also wept publicly after he was denied the Jubilee ticket during the party primaries in 2017.

Jubilee party would eventual rescind that decision and hand him the ticket, leading to his victory in the General Election.

Also read: Maina Kageni criticises Governor Sakaja for crying in public

In 2020, former Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala, broke down during a presentation to Senate Committees.

He alleged that five police officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had been tasked with the duty of assassinating him.

Sharing his fears, Malala’s emotional testimony underscored the challenges faced by politicians in maintaining their security.

Also read: Five times President Ruto has wept publicly

Back in 2015, former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua became emotional during a public address. An overwhelmed Dr Mutua shed tears while narrating how some political leaders were allegedly plotting to undermine his political career.

Even President William Ruto has also wept in public, not once, but on several occasions. The most recent incident was during a thanksgiving service at State House, shortly after he sworn in as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya when the Head of State fought back tears.

In a video that was later shared on social media, the emotional president is seen wiping his tears using a handkerchief in the middle of prayer.

Then on August 2, 2022, just a week to the General Election, Dr Ruto was yet again overcome by emotion, as he wept openly during a church service held at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.

Back in 2013 following Jubilee’s election victory, the then Deputy President broke down at Faith Evangelical Ministry in Karen in what many interpreted as tears of joy.

These instances demonstrate that public figures, regardless of their status, are not immune to the depths of human emotions.

Also read: Stop playing ‘Deputy Jesus’, Christianity is not shedding tears, Karua tells Ruto