Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua has dismissed as fake a viral poster circulating online that falsely links him to the Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement ahead of a planned rally in Machakos.

The poster, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, appeared to suggest that Mutua was welcoming the movement’s supporters to Machakos for a rally scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Taking to his official X account on Saturday, May 30, 2026, the former Machakos County governor publicly disowned the poster, describing it as misleading and not originating from him or his office.

He flagged the image as fake, distancing himself from any association with the political movement.

The viral graphic read: “Linda MWANANCHI Karibuni MACHA! Pamoja, tuendelee kujenga Maendeleo, Umoja na Kesho Bora kwa kila Mkenya. Imara. Inayowezekana.”

Linda Mwananchi Machakos rally

The false post emerged at a time of heightened political activity linked to the Linda Mwananchi initiative.

The movement has been mobilising supporters across different regions, with Machakos set to host one of its key rallies on Sunday, May 31, 2026, drawing attention from both political supporters and critics.

Mutua’s name appearing on the viral poster fuelled speculation online, with some users questioning whether he had shifted political allegiance or offered support to the initiative.

Mavoko Member of Parliament (MP) Patrick Makau had earlier announced that the Linda Mwananchi movement will hold political rallies in Machakos County as the group intensifies nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking after a church service at Light Christian Center on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Makau said the movement would begin engagements with residents of Machakos as part of a broader campaign focused on economic hardships facing Kenyans.

Makau said the Linda Mwananchi team had already traversed different parts of the country and was now shifting focus to Machakos County.

“Nataka niwaambie wananchi wa Machakos yakwamba tumetembea Kenya mzima na tuko hapa Machakos County na sasa kundi ya Linda Mwananchi tutakuwa na vikao hapa kutembelea wananchi wa Machakos,” he said.

The legislator said the movement’s campaigns are being driven by concerns over the state of the economy, high fuel prices, unemployment, and challenges facing the education sector.

“Mambo ni magumu hapa Kenya. Mnaona maneno ya mafuta, maneno ya vijana kutokuwa na ajira, maneno ya university funding, hali ya masomo, hali ya uchumi imeharibika,” Makau stated.

Growing concern over political misinformation

The incident highlights the increasing use of doctored images and misleading posters in Kenya’s digital political space, especially as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of key rallies and the 2027 election cycle.

Such content can easily influence public perception and create confusion among supporters, particularly when it involves high-profile political figures.

Authorities have previously cautioned against the spread of fake news, urging users to verify official statements before sharing politically sensitive content.