Tensions between President William Ruto’s administration and the outspoken lawyer Morara Kebaso escalated into a public showdown, with conflicting claims taking centre stage on live television on Wednesday.
Kebaso, known for his no-holds-barred criticism of government projects, ignited a firestorm when he claimed during a live interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show that the President had personally offered him a government job.
The allegation quickly drew the attention of State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, who called into the show to categorically deny the claim.
Kebaso, who has gained popularity for his viral social media exposés on stalled and mishandled government projects, claimed that he was approached by the President's close friends before receiving a direct call from Ruto himself.
According to the lawyer, the offer was meant to entice him into the government fold—a proposition he claims to have rejected outright.
“I received calls from those close to the President, and eventually, the President himself reached out to me,” Kebaso stated. “I declined the offer because I believe that there are enough people in government, and frankly, I wouldn’t want to be part of the corruption that seems pervasive there.”
The lawyer’s remarks painted a picture of a government riddled with corruption and inefficiency, a narrative that he has consistently pushed in his public appearances. However, the response from State House was swift and scathing. Mohamed, speaking live on the same programme, dismissed Kebaso’s claims as nothing more than fiction.
“It’s astonishing that Kebaso would fabricate such a story on national television,” Mohamed asserted. “For the record, no such call ever took place. This is purely a figment of his imagination.”
The spokesperson, while debunking the claim, took the opportunity to acknowledge the role of accountability in governance. He praised Kebaso’s efforts in holding the government to account but emphasised the need for accuracy and honesty in such endeavours.
“What Morara Kebaso and others are doing is crucial for our democracy, and the President welcomes it,” Mohamed continued.
“However, it’s vital that such activities are conducted truthfully. The President has committed to completing the projects that were started under the previous administration, and he’s doing exactly that.”
Kebaso, undeterred by Mohamed’s rebuttal, doubled down on his claims. He questioned Mohamed’s knowledge of the President’s personal communications, suggesting that the spokesperson might not be fully informed about the interactions between the Head of State and other individuals.
“I wonder if Hussein Mohamed knows every conversation the President has,” Kebaso remarked. “I didn’t claim to have spoken with Mohamed; I said I spoke with the President.”
The confrontation between Kebaso and the State House has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about government transparency and the integrity of public officials.
Last week, Mohamed accused Kebaso of misleading Kenyans about the status of government projects, specifically disputing his claim that President Ruto had relaunched a road project in Kisii that was originally inaugurated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016.
Mohamed clarified that the 64.6 km road, spanning Kitutu Chache North and South in Kisii County, was launched by Kenyatta in 2016, but the contract was terminated in 2023 due to poor performance.
At the time, only 27 km had been completed. The project was re-tendered and relaunched by President Ruto after a new contract was awarded in March 2024.
Kebaso’s relentless pursuit of government accountability has earned him both admiration and criticism, with his claims often sparking heated discussions on social media and beyond.
As the dust settles on this latest exchange, it remains unclear whether this public spat will have any lasting impact on Kebaso’s credibility or the government’s stance on dealing with its critics.
The broader implications of this dispute may well influence the public’s perception of the current government, especially in light of Kebaso’s assertions regarding the misuse of public funds.
For now, the nation watches as the battle of narratives continues, with both sides standing firm in their respective positions.
