Photos of Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya wielding high-calibre military rifles in Samburu County have sent social media into a frenzy.
The CS, tasked with overseeing Kenya's defence operations, was captured handling heavy weaponry during a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) military exercise at Larisoro, sparking admiration and controversy in equal measure.
Tuya, who had joined the military officers for the Joint and Combined Fire-Power Exercise, received a grand reception. A green carpet was rolled out upon her arrival, and gallant soldiers saluted her as she stepped onto the training grounds.
Dressed in full military gear, she posed with high-powered weapons, mingled with officers, and observed KDF's combat readiness as they prepared for their deployment to Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission (AUSSOM).
KDF, through its official platforms, revealed that the exercise marked the culmination of pre-deployment training for both AUSSOM-bound troops and the KMA Officer Cadet Grand Finale Exercise.
However, the online reaction was sharply divided. Some Kenyans applauded Tuya for immersing herself in the military drills, seeing it as a show of solidarity with the forces.
Others criticized the elaborate reception, questioning whether such displays were necessary for a civilian official.
Twitter user @HezMureithi sarcastically remarked, "No wonder Muhoozi keeps threatening us... A stranger would be forgiven for thinking CS Soipan Tuya is the KDF CDF or a Service Commander. They even rolled her a carpet in the jungle, complete with a salute and a commander's swagger stick."
On the other hand, @abuga_makori defended the CS, stating, "CS Soipan Tuya has committed no wrong. When checking on officer cadets and KDF troops preparing for AUSSOM, you motivate them. This is exactly what is going on."
Another user, @cheruiyotbonif1, praised Tuya, calling her "top-tier" for her involvement in the exercise.
This is not the first time a Cabinet Secretary has been spotted donning military fatigues while visiting KDF troops. Previous defence and interior ministers have also participated in such exercises, symbolising government support for the armed forces.
