The Treasury PS further took great exception to the Daily Nation’s decision to place his photograph on its front page alongside the unsubstantiated story.
Nation Media Group (NMG) risks being taken to court by Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo over a story published on the Daily Nation on Tuesday, November 26 about the government’s plan to purchase ‘spying software’ ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kiptoo in a statement shared by the National Treasury on X clarified that the report titled Ruto Men Sued Over ‘Classified’ Spying Software was inaccurate and misleading.
He faulted the local daily newspaper for using his image as a cover image for its story and implicating him in an alleged government plan to acquire classified technology for propaganda purposes, allegations he termed “absolutely unfounded.”
“First, I wish to state plainly that I have never met or interacted with Ms. Mary Wachuka Maina, the individual alleged to have filed a lawsuit on this matter. I have no knowledge of her claims or of any plans by the government to procure the equipment described,” Kiptoo explained in part.
Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo at a past function. /NATIONAL TREASURY
“Second, the article claims that “confidential accounts” exist within the National Treasury, from which funds would allegedly be allocated for the purported scheme,” he continued, stating those claims were entirely untrue.
Kiptoo stated that no such accounts exist, and the operations of the National Treasury are governed by strict legal and regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency and accountability.
The Treasury PS further took great exception to the Daily Nation‘s decision to place his photograph on its front page alongside the unsubstantiated story. “By doing so, the newspaper has defamed me by implication, creating a false association between myself and the allegations,” he added.
“Even the article reportedly confirms that no formal agreement was reached with Ms Maina, further underscoring the speculative and baseless nature of the claims,” he continued.
Kiptoo affirmed that he and the National Treasury have always enjoyed a positive and professional working relationship with the Daily Nation, thus he termed it deeply concerning that the newspaper would publish “such a misleading article without due diligence.”
“I could have expected thorough verification of facts and fairness in reporting, principles that have been ignored in this instance,” he added.
Consequently, he demanded that the media house retract the story and issue a public apology for the harm caused to his reputation and character, warning that should the newspaper and NMG fail to take corrective action, “I reserve the right to pursue all legal remedies available to protect my name.”
PS Kiptoo called on all media outlets to uphold the highest journalistic standards, as enshrined in the Media Council Act and the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, further stating that accuracy, fairness, and professionalism are critical to maintaining the credibility of the media and ensuring the public remains informed with the truth.
