A photo of First Lady Rachel Ruto looking tired and unhappy at the New Year celebrations at State House, Nakuru, has gone viral on social media, sparking a debate among Kenyans about her physical health and well-being.
The photo, which shows Rachel seated next to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, was taken on Sunday when President William Ruto led the festivities to usher in 2024.
Several leaders attended the event, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and several Cabinet Secretaries.
This is Ruto’s first New Year celebration. In 2022, he only made a statement.
At @StateHouseKenya, Nakuru, in the company of First Lady @MamaRachelRuto, Deputy President @rigathi, his spouse @Pastor_Dorcas, Governor @susankihika, Cabinet Secretaries, among other leaders. pic.twitter.com/jGF2cI1JLs
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 31, 2023
However, away from the glamour and joy at State House, many Kenyans on social media were concerned about the First Lady’s physical appearance and noticeably subdued expression.
Tweets like “Despite her busy schedule, I cannot remember Margaret Kenyatta looking this tired in her second year as First Lady,” and “There are unknown battles everyone fights… Clearly, our First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto doesn’t look okay here,” have dominated social media feeds since the photo went viral.
Oya @WilliamsRuto what’s happening to face of @MamaRachelRuto ? pic.twitter.com/u4wWS6Gcs0
— Rein (@Asamoh_) January 1, 2024
Despite her busy schedule, I cannot remember Margaret Kenyatta looking this tired in her second year as the first lady of this Nation. What’s happening to Rachael Ruto? pic.twitter.com/htNIsXvEhN
— LazooJ (@Lazooj) January 1, 2024
There are unknown battles everyone fights whether rich or poor. Clearly, our First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto doesn’t look okay here. I hope she winds the battles she’s fighting. The country needs her in 2024 more than any other time! pic.twitter.com/X7TEQIdk0M
— EDGAR 🇰🇪 (@edgarwabwire_) January 1, 2024
Even the First Lady is tired of the lies. https://t.co/kHcf33cmiK
— Gabriel Oguda (@gabrieloguda) December 31, 2023
In the age of social media, every glance and every crease in every image is dissected and analyzed by the masses.
Naturally, theories abound.
In this case, some have whispered of secret battles and hidden burdens weighing down the nation’s prayer warrior.
Could it be the weight of a nation’s prayers, the relentless spiritual warfare that leaves even the most devout weary?
Perhaps, after all, holding back the darkness is no easy feat.
A prayerful woman.
Must be the spirit when it enters the body and shakes one to get the scars. pic.twitter.com/RrFP8m15oa
— LAGALESS™ (@MwalimuEpolo) January 1, 2024
On the other side, this story perhaps confirms what we all know: that public figures, even those seemingly blessed with divine intervention, are human after all.
They too get tired and deserve a break from battling demons (both literal and metaphorical).
But before we all rush to offer Mama Rachel a spa day voucher, remember this: appearances can be deceiving.
Perhaps that pensive gaze is not what we all assume to be exhaustion, but righteous indignation at a rogue demon.
The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between.
Whatever the reason behind the First Lady’s photo-op expression, one thing is certain: As we step into 2024, a year sure to be rife with challenges and triumphs, we will be watching closely to see how Mama Rachel and the First Family navigate public scrutiny.
