Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has sparked debate online after he was photographed taking pictures of President William Ruto during the G7 Summit in Evian, France.
Images and video clips circulating on social media showed Mudavadi using a mobile phone to photograph President Ruto as the Head of State interacted with other leaders and delegates at the high-profile gathering.
In one of the photos, Mudavadi was seen taking photos as Ruto engaged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
This triggered a wave of reactions from Kenyans, with some questioning the role of the senior government official while others defended his actions.
Mudavadi Sparks Mixed Reactions After Photographing Ruto at G7 Summit
The moment quickly drew online attention, with a section of Kenyans expressing mixed reactions.
Some social media users mocked the incident, suggesting Mudavadi had been reduced to a photographer despite holding one of the country’s top government positions.
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They viewed the act as unusual, arguing that official photographers and communication staff are typically responsible for documenting presidential engagements.
“Embarrassing moment! Prime CS Mudavadi reduced to Ruto’s personal photographer after being spotted snapping a picture of the President at the G7 in France,” wrote @DanChepta.
@Naomikibandi also joked: “Wenye huuliza kazi ya Mudavadi ni gani ndio hiyo kazi, he’s the new Ruto’s Photographer.”
(Those who keep asking what Mudavadi’s job is, that is it — he’s the new Ruto’s photographer.)
@okayojoshua was more critical, writing: “Mudavadi alibebwa kukuwa cameraman… waste of resources.”(Mudavadi was carried along just to be a cameraman… waste of resources.)
Meanwhile, @overcomethebad questioned the relevance of the Prime Cabinet Secretary position, claiming Mudavadi had become “Ruto’s cameraman in a position that doesn’t even exist in the constitution.”
@FredR1q lamented that taxpayers’ money was being used to facilitate foreign travel only for the senior official to be seen taking photographs.
@Wa_Anyamah also expressed disappointment, writing: “So they turned my Anko PCS Musalia Mudavadi into a Photographer at the G7 Conference. The most decorated Politician from Vihiga County. Hii si poa (this is not good).”
Different Views on Mudavadi’s G7 Photo Moment
Political commentator Waigoko Kimengemenge argued that other presidents travel with business leaders to negotiate investment deals, while Kenya’s delegation appeared focused on welcoming the President and taking photographs.
Another user, @matundda, remarked: “The biggest achievement for Kenya at the G7 Summit in France may have been securing a spot in every photo opportunity.”
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However, not everyone shared the criticism.
Some social media users praised Mudavadi, saying there was nothing unusual about the senior government official capturing memorable moments from the summit.
@maxwellbrunoNFT defended Mudavadi, saying there was “nothing out of the ordinary” about the incident given that he is in charge of foreign affairs and also serves as Kenya’s chief diplomat.
“This is what diplomacy is all about,” he wrote.
Similarly, @Mandela_047 suggested Mudavadi was simply taking advantage of the opportunity to gain experience, writing that he was “taking notes on the matter of being cabinet secretary for foreign affairs” and making use of the chance to participate in the high-level summit.
Neither Mudavadi nor State House had publicly responded to the online reactions at the time of publication.
Role of Mudavadi as the Prime Cabinet Secretary
As a Prime CS, Mudavadi is tasked with playing a pivotal role in steering Kenya’s Economic Diplomacy, championing international partnerships that foster trade, investment, and development while advancing Kenya’s interests on the global stage.
He also assists the President and the Deputy President in the coordination and supervision of Government Ministries and State Departments.
In addition, the Prime Cabinet Secretary Chairs and coordinates the National Government legislative agenda across all ministries and state departments in consultation with and for transmission to the Party/Coalition Leaders in Parliament.
The Prime CS, in liaison with the Ministry responsible for Interior and National Administration, oversees the implementation of National Government policies, programs and projects.
Also among the key roles of Mudavadi is to chair the Principal Secretaries’ Committees, supervise the technical monitoring and evaluation of Government policies, programs, and projects, and perform any other function as may be assigned by the President.
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