Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has moved to clear the air after photos of him posing with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Kisii Governor Simba Arati caused a storm on social media.
The photographs, which have been doing rounds on various online platforms, show the three leaders together inside what appears to be an airport lounge. Another image captures them in what looks like a serious conversation, sparking speculation among Kenyans about whether there was something brewing behind the scenes.
Speaking on the matter, Matiang'i said there was nothing political about the meeting and that it was all just a coincidence. The former CS explained that he had simply bumped into the two leaders after checking in at the Kenya Airways desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
According to Matiang'i, each of them was travelling for different reasons. Arati and Junet were heading to Kisumu while he was also on his way to attend a church service in Kisumu County.
"It was a chance encounter as each of us proceeded to board our flight," Matiang'i said.
He dismissed reports circulating online that suggested the photos were taken during a meeting held the previous night. The former CS insisted there was no planned engagement between them and that Kenyans should not read too much into the images.
"Contrary to false claims circulating online, this was neither a meeting held last night nor a planned engagement. It was simply a chance encounter between leaders at the airport," he said.
The encounter has attracted attention because the three leaders are associated with different political formations. Junet and Arati, who are both members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), have in recent months embraced the broad-based political arrangement between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Matiang'i, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the prominent figures in the opposition and has consistently criticised the current administration. His stance has made him a key voice among those pushing back against the government.
The photographs have since prompted mixed reactions on social media, with some Kenyans questioning whether the meeting was purely coincidental or indicative of behind-the-scenes political engagements. Others, however, have accepted Matiang'i's explanation and urged people to move on.
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