Days after receiving both backlash and praise from Kenyans following viral photos of her doing yoga, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has unveiled another workout style—the Tree Pose.
In a post on her X account, Miano introduced the new pose while reaffirming her commitment to wellness. Referring to Kenya as a “wellness savanna,” she performed the pose beneath a large tree, likening herself to a mugumo tree—standing tall and rooted. According to Miano, the Tree Pose serves as a reminder to remain grounded while reaching for greater heights.
The CS posed with one foot firmly planted on the ground, the other resting against her inner leg at the tibia, and both hands stretched upwards to the sky. She went on to challenge Kenyans to try the pose and share their own photos on her timeline.
Miano has become known for promoting wellness as part of her tourism strategy. Her latest post follows days of public debate over her initial yoga routine, which sparked mixed reactions online.
“Kenya is a wellness savannah. Rooted in balance, just like this majestic Mugumo tree! Practising Tree Pose under this sacred giant reminds us to stay grounded while reaching for the sky. NB. Drop your tree pose here,” CS Miano said.
Yoga backlash
In those earlier posts, Miano performed a variety of poses—seated forward bend, kneeling backbend, one-legged balance, and side-to-side stretch—on a yoga mat, dressed in a blue oversized T-shirt and tight pants.
Her caption, “A consistent yoga practice brings clarity to the mind and strength to the body. Every day is a step toward mindful leadership and holistic well-being,” aimed to promote mental and physical wellness.
While some Kenyans, like Kaib Seddie, applauded her flexibility and fitness at 58, others, including political communicator Philip Etale, criticised the post as tone-deaf. They pointed to long queues at Nairobi National Park and other tourism-related issues, questioning her priorities.
Some also deemed the poses too revealing for a public official, while others mocked her for having time to focus on fitness amid a national crisis.
Despite the mixed reactions, Miano participated in the #YogaForOneEarth2025 event on June 21 alongside the Indian High Commission, further solidifying her stance on yoga as a tool for clarity, balance, and national wellness.
