The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has set the record straight on the alleged appointment of Charlene Ruto as the chairperson of the National Mining Corporation for a period of three years.
In a statement released to social media, the ministry debunked the claims and branded the notice that had been trending on social media for the better part of the day as ‘fake.’
To further quash the claims, they shared the authentic notice which names Joseph Kipchumba Lagat as the actual appointee.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 25 (1) (a) of the Mining Act, 2016, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint- JOSEPH KIPCHUMBA LAGAT to be the Chairperson of the National Mining Corporation, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 4th October, 2024.” The original notice reads.
The gazette notice dated October 3 is a nearly identical copy of the one that had been purporting the appointment of the first daughter save for the actual name which was put down as Charlene Chelangat Ruto.
A quick scan of the document confirms that all the details including the Gazette Notice number 12631 are identical owing to the fact that it had been doctored to change only the name.
For the best part of Friday morning, the fake notice had been making rounds on social media flaring tempers among Kenyans who believed it to be factual.
Some went on to vilify the President for making the appointment of his own daughter which goes against national values.
“Guys, when we were busy with Rigathi Gachagua impeachment, William Ruto appointed Charlene Ruto as the chairperson of national mining corporation. Yes Riggy G is very tribal.” One such post read.
However, some were still skeptical with a Kenyan posting, "Is the appointment of Charlene Ruto true, or is just fake information flying around?"
However, even after the latest confirmation that the reports are unfounded, a section of Kenyans still don't know what to make of the latest information doing rounds on social media.
Charlene Ruto has since taken to Social Media to also dispute the claims, urging Kenyans to stop spreading fake news and supporting propaganda.
"And looks like whoever is pushing this doesn't know William Ruto. He believes in giving equal, fair and transparent leadership opportunities to as many Kenyans as possible, so trust me, this he would not do. And mining? Not even youth? Or agriculture? Just so that you know it is really fake!"
She also addressed her roles in 'The Young People's Network International' and SMACHS Foundation insisting that she did not wait for an appointment but carved her own path for herself, stating, "I didn't wait for anyone to give me an appointment or position, I am creating my own path. Plus...my name is Chelagat, not Chelangat. Don't support this propaganda!"
