Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua has spoken out after a photo of him posing with a young woman went viral on social media.

Through Facebook, Governor Mutua dismissed rumors making the rounds on the internet that he was dating the unidentified lady in the viral picture.

Mutua, who broke up with his long-time girlfriend Lillian Ng’ang’a last year, stated that as a public figure, he is always requested to take pictures by many people, including strangers.

“I am requested daily by many people to pose for photos. I humbly agree. I take photos with strangers - men, women, groups, kids, families etc. They usually post the photos. This does not mean I KNOW them or that I am in business or friends with them. Wacheni mucene,” he wrote.

Mutua and Lillian announced their break-up in August last year, having dated and lived together for nearly 10 years.