Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has dismissed viral claims that she was attacked by goons while travelling in a vehicle.
The claims emerged after a video circulated on social media showing people inside a vehicle being confronted during an apparent roadside incident. Some social media posts subsequently identified Miano as the person involved.
Miano has rejected the claims, saying she is safe and continuing with her normal duties.
In a post on X, Miano said she was “safe, fully functional, and working kama kawaida.” She also extended her thoughts and prayers to anyone who might have been affected by the incident shown in the circulating material.
Miano's post also quoted her earlier message addressing the reports directly. She described the claims as fake news and rumours and urged the public to ignore them.
“Fake news and rumours spread like bush fire. Please, just IGNORE and have a fruitful week!” Miano said in the quoted post.
The clarification came as the video continued to attract attention online. Reports about the footage described an incident involving passengers inside a vehicle and people approaching it on a motorcycle.
However, the circulation of the footage was accompanied by claims identifying the woman in the vehicle as Miano. Her public response disputes that identification and makes clear that she was not the person portrayed as being attacked.
Miano's statement also separates her response from the circumstances of the incident itself. Rather than claiming that no one was affected, she expressed concern for anyone who may have been involved and wished them strength, peace and a swift recovery.
The episode illustrates how quickly the identity of people shown in viral footage can become the subject of speculation on social media. In this case, Miano has publicly rejected the claim linking her to the reported attack.
For now, her position is clear. She says she is safe, carrying out her duties and has urged the public not to rely on the rumours circulating online.
