Rebecca Miano, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, has become the focus of a social media uproar after donning a Manchester United jersey and posting the images online. This incident has ignited a wave of responses from Kenyan internet users, many of whom have taken issue with Miano's choice to support an international football club rather than championing local teams. Critics argue that, as a public figure, she should prioritize promoting Kenyan sports and clubs.
Many social media users were surprised and disappointed, calling it an unpatriotic move given her role in promoting Kenya's culture and tourism.
While some fans of Manchester United applauded Miano for her sporting attire, a significant portion of Kenyan netizens did not take kindly to her apparent allegiance to a foreign team. Critics voiced their displeasure, asserting that high-ranking government officials should use their influence to support and promote local sports, including Kenyan football clubs like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, or the Kenyan rugby Team Shujaa, who shown an exemplary performance over the weekend.
A number of comments on social media echoed the sentiment that such behavior from a government official sets a bad example for the youth.
"Never seen you support local clubs. I wonder if you promote tourism for Old Trafford or Kenya," stated Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai.
"Imagine the CS for Tourism hyping a foreign league while local attractions and sports struggle for visibility. What a spectacular misread of the job description," wondered advocate Willis Evans Otieno.
On the other hand, a section of netizens defended Miano, arguing that wearing a Manchester United jersey does not make her any less Kenyan or undermine her role in promoting the country's tourism. They pointed out that personal preferences, such as supporting a foreign football club, should not be viewed as a reflection of one's commitment to their country.
"You also have a team to support for fun. Almost everyone has alongside local teams, stop the hypocrisy,"X User @CaptainKorir fired at the lawyer in defense of the CS.
The lawyer replied on his socials, re-iterating his position that while supporting a foreign team for fun is fine as millions do, the issue of a cabinet secretary using their platform to promote a foreign league while our own tourism, sports and creatives cry for visibility, then it's no longer fun but misplaced national duty.
"let's not confuse personal fandom with public responsibility," he added.
Some netizens even suggested that Miano should take a more active role in supporting local talent and encouraging Kenyans to rally behind local clubs, which often struggle with financial instability and lack of sponsorship.
"Madam CS, as CS for tourism, kindly promote local football teams. They promote local tourism," stated X user @Mutonyi.
Can we normalise promoting and tagging our very own. We have Shabana FC, Gor Mahia, Murang'a Seals, AFC Leopards and so on. Manchester is already up there," shared @denkaranimation
