The head of Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, has hit back at the Daily Nation newspaper for its May 22 front page headline that alluded to a bitter fallout among the President's aides at State House.
Singling out the President's speech writer, Eric Ng'eno, Itumbi stated that the two had worked together for over a decade and there was no feud between them.
He further slammed the local daily for the headline 'How Spying Deal Split Ruto Men', which he termed as mere sideshows meant to keep Kenyans entertained.
"Some stuff just exists in Newspaper headlines. I’ve worked with Eric Ng'eno for over 10 years — no fallout, no feud," he stated.
"But if sideshows and gossip keep you entertained, muendelee. Our eyes are on the prize: DELIVERY over distractions."
The Daily Nation article spotlighted a court case exposing the power struggle among four of President William Ruto's men, including his speech writer and Itumbi and businessman Jayesh Saini.
The lawsuit was filed by a Kenyan-Canadian citizen, who claimed a breach of contract in the procurement of an alleged spying system as well as Ksh170 million as compensation for the damages incurred after the collapse of the deal.
Reportedly, in court documents, the plaintiff revealed that she had “expressly sought a tailored digital communication solution in light of increasing concern over the fragmented and often counterproductive messaging of the administration’s agenda”.
Although Ng’eno allegedly assured her of presidential backing and said funding would come from the National Treasury’s confidential vote, the deal collapsed as more players were introduced in the deal.
During the process, Ng'eno was said to have been critical of Itumbi, alleging that he had hijacked the government messaging apparatus and made himself the focal point of communication.
"Itumbi was out of control and making himself the focal point... It’s embarrassing," the plaintiff told the court.
The lady eventually pulled out of the deal due to clashes involving alleged State House financier Sayini before the deal was completed.
