Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Chris Kiptoo has dismissed allegations linking him to a purported government plan to purchase “spying software” ahead of the 2027 general elections, threatening legal action against the Nation Media Group (NMG) for defamation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 26, Kiptoo termed the article, titled “Ruto Men Sued Over ‘Classified’ Spying Software”, as false and misleading.
He criticized the media house for using his image, asserting that it wrongfully implicated him in the allegations and caused reputational harm.
“These allegations are completely unfounded,” Kiptoo said via the National Treasury’s official X account.
“No such plan exists, and the operations of the National Treasury are governed by stringent legal frameworks that ensure transparency and accountability.”
The article alleged that the Treasury maintained “confidential accounts” to fund the procurement of the classified technology, which was purportedly intended for propaganda purposes during the election.
Kiptoo refuted this claim, stating that no such accounts exist and that he had no knowledge of any multimillion-dollar software acquisition.
The article also claimed a petition had been filed against individuals involved in procuring the alleged software.
Kiptoo distanced himself further, stating he has never met or interacted with the petitioner mentioned in the report.
“It is deeply concerning that Nation Media Group, with whom we have always enjoyed a positive and professional relationship, would publish such a misleading article without verifying its accuracy,” Kiptoo remarked.
The PS called on the media house to immediately unpublish the story and issue a public apology for what he described as defamatory reporting.
He warned that failure to comply would leave him with no choice but to pursue legal action.
“I reserve the right to explore all legal remedies to protect my name and reputation,” he said.
“I urge all media outlets to adhere to the highest standards of journalism, as outlined in the Media Council Act and the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya.”
The controversy underscores growing tensions between public officials and media houses over the responsibility to uphold ethical reporting standards.
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