Raphael Tuju's Appointment Causes Friction Between NMG and State House

President Uhuru Kenyatta's appointment of Raphael Tuju to Cabinet has caused friction between State House official Dennis Itumbi and the Nation Media Group (NMG) Manager Linus Kaikai.

The Senior Director of Innovation, Digital and Diaspora Communication in the Office of the President clashed with the NMG Manager over the title given to the Jubilee party Secretary-General in articles published on Nation and NTV.

"Brother Linus Kaikai, as of last night NTV was still reporting that Jubilee Party SG Raphael Tuju is a cabinet secretary without portfolio.

"That is misleading reportage Sir, am sure you will correct that for future bulletins," Mr Itumbi posted on Sunday.

[caption caption="Office of the President official Dennis Itumbi"][/caption]

Responding to the tweet by Mr Itumbi, the journalist stated that the media house was accurate in referring to the Jubilee party official in those terms.

"Brother Itumbi, when a person is named to cabinet but not assigned a ministry, that person is called Minister (or CS) Without Portfolio.

"We shall update accordingly as soon as we are informed on the Ministry he has been assigned," Mr Kaikai explained.

While nominating Mr Tuju to the Cabinet, President Kenyatta stated that he would assist the cabinet secretaries "on a need basis".

"I have also co-opted into cabinet, on a need basis, the honourable Raphael Tuju," the President announced on Friday.

The exchange between Mr Itumbi and Mr Kaikai excited their followers who prompted the government official to clarify what Mr Tuju's designation was, if at all he was aware.

Here are some of the reactions that were shared.