Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has broken his silence over unusual accusations claiming he uses social media to pursue women—allegations he says were triggered by his recent comments on the misuse of online platforms.
Speaking during an interview with comedian and media personality Oga Obinna on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Joho dismissed the claims as a distortion of his remarks, noting that his intention was to encourage responsible and constructive use of digital platforms.
Joho recounted an incident where someone directly accused him of using social media for personal exploits, a suggestion he firmly rejected.
“So if you come to me and tell me that I’m using social media to hit on women, what do you expect me to do—hit on you? Yes, I use social media, and so do you. The surprise is that now because you have a smartphone and data, suddenly you think you know everything,” he said, expressing disbelief at the accusation.
Misinterpretation of His Message
The former Mombasa governor clarified that his earlier criticism was never an attack on social media users but a call for more meaningful engagement on the platforms.
“I advocate for positive use of social media. That doesn’t mean I’m against it. Use it to hold leaders accountable. But someone twisted my words, claiming I insulted users and was chasing women online. That’s simply not true,” he stated.
Joho emphasized that social media, while powerful, is a double-edged sword that can be used to either build or destroy, depending on how it is handled.
“Social media can connect people or divide them. It can create or destroy. It can empower or mislead. We must be conscious of how we use it,” he said.
Unrealistic Expectations and Focused Expertise
The CS also addressed the broader issue of public expectations, pointing out that leaders, like anyone else, cannot be experts in every field.
“I see people acting like they know everything. I studied HR for my undergraduate degree. If you ask me about agriculture, I might not have all the answers—but when it comes to mining or the blue economy, that’s my area. It’s better to focus and specialize,” he said.
“You Can’t Build a Country on Social Media Alone”
Joho concluded by reinforcing his central message: while social media can be a valuable tool, it cannot replace real-world solutions and development.
“I wasn’t insulting anyone. I simply said we can’t build a nation purely through social media. Progress needs more than tweets and hashtags—it needs action.”
Joho’s comments come amid a broader national conversation about online discourse, misinformation, and the responsibilities that come with digital influence, especially among public figures and youth.
