Charlene Ruto took to X on Friday and refuted claims that she had been appointed to a new role as the chairperson for National Mining Corporation as purported by a gazette notice that had been making rounds on social media.
“Guys...c'mon...seriously?? Let’s Stop Fake news! 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,” her post read.
Charlene further said that she could not have been appointed in the mining ministry as this was not among her interests, stating that the the youth or agriculture ministries would make more sense, “And in mining? Not even youth? Or agriculture? Just so that you know it is really fake!"
Charlene also expressed the fact that the name in the fake gazette notice was Chelangat whereas her actual name was Chelagat, further debunking the notice.
The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs had also earlier in the day flagged the gazette notice as fake and shared the actual appointment which was for Joseph Kipchumba Lagat.
“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 read.
In the same vein, Charlene also chose to address her roles in The Young People's Network International and SMACHS Foundation stating that those were roles she had carved out for herself without any appointment.
“Let me also address The Young People's Network International and SMACHS Foundation… I didn't wait for anyone to give me an appointment or position, I am creating my own path.”
She further urged Kenyans to abstain from supporting propaganda and spreading fake news meant to misinform the public.
The fake gazette notice of the appointment had rightfully angered Kenyans and quickly spread with several Kenyans expressing their opinions on how they felt about the whole situation.
“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 shared scepticism from the very beginning as this would have been a very bold appointment that would go against all the nation’s values.
"Is the appointment of Charlene Ruto true, or is it just fake information flying around?" One of the sceptics quipped.
