Public Service Principal Secretary Jane Imbunya found herself trending online on Friday, January 30, after an unexpected moment with members of the press during a scheduled media briefing stirred debate across social media.
The PS had called the presser to address matters concerning her docket, drawing attendance from a wide range of journalists representing mainstream media houses as well as digital and online platforms.
As is customary before such briefings, reporters arrived early, set up their cameras, voice recorders, and mounted multiple branded microphones on the podium to ensure clear audio coverage of the event.
However, before the press conference could officially begin, Imbunya reportedly paused after stepping to the podium and asked journalists to remove a number of the microphones placed in front of her.
According to those present, she said the cluster of devices was distracting and made it difficult for her to focus.
The request, which may have been made innocently and out of personal comfort, immediately created an awkward moment in the room.
Journalists briefly shuffled to adjust their equipment, with some appearing puzzled by the directive given that such setups are standard practice in press briefings across the country.
While the event eventually proceeded, the incident did not stay confined to the venue.
Within hours, clips and photos from the scene began circulating online, sparking heated reactions from netizens and members of the media fraternity.
Many online users questioned the PS Jane Imbunya’ s move, arguing that public officials are expected to be accustomed to media presence and the typical press conference setup.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“How do you call a presser then complain about microphones? That’s literally the job of the press.”
Another commented:
“Leaders must get used to scrutiny. Mics at a podium shouldn’t be a problem in 2026.”
Others framed the moment more harshly, accusing the PS of being unnecessarily dramatic.
“Why is she pulling a diva move at a government presser?” one post read, echoing a phrase that quickly caught on in comment sections.
Still, a section of Kenyans came to her defense, suggesting the backlash was being blown out of proportion.
“Maybe she was just overwhelmed. Not everything is attitude,” another user argued.
“People forget leaders are human too,” another one said.
Media professionals also weighed in, with some noting that the arrangement of multiple microphones has long been part of press culture, allowing different stations to capture direct audio without relying solely on ambient sound.
The incident has since fueled a broader conversation online about the relationship between public officials and the media, with many emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and professionalism on both sides of the podium.
Whether it was a simple matter of comfort or a misstep in handling the moment, PS Jane Imbunya’s brief exchange with journalists has clearly struck a nerve and turned an ordinary government presser into a viral talking point.
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