Daily Nation is at risk of being sued by a Principal Secretary over a story covered in the newspaper. National Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo has called out Daily Nation over a story published under the headline “Ruto Men Sued Over ‘Classified’ Spying Software”.
PS Kiptoo in a statement on Tuesday, November 26 termed the story as “inaccurate and misleading”.
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He went on to state that the allegations where the article features his image and implicates him in an alleged government plan to acquire classified technology for propaganda purposes are “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,” he said.
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“Second, the article claims that “confidential accounts” exist within the National Treasury, from which funds would allegedly be allocated for the purported scheme. This is entirely untrue. No such accounts exist, and the operations of the National Treasury are governed by strict legal and regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency and accountability.”
Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo Calls Out Daily Nation
He added, “Third, I take great exception to the Daily Nation’s decision to place my photograph on its front page alongside this unsubstantiated story.”
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By doing so, PS Kiptoo alleged that the “newspaper has defamed him by implication, creating a false association between himself and the allegations”.
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He argues that the article confirms no formal agreement was reached with Ms. Maina, which he believes highlights the speculative and baseless nature of the claims.
“It is worth noting that the National Treasury and I have always enjoyed a positive and professional working relationship with the Daily Nation,” he added.
“It is therefore deeply concerning that the newspaper would publish such a misleading article without due diligence.”
Additionally, the PS stated that he would have expected a thorough verification of facts and fairness in reporting, principles that he believes were overlooked in this instance.
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PS Kiptoo Issues Demands to Newspaper
“Should the newspaper fail to take corrective action, I reserve the right to pursue all legal remedies available to protect my name,” he warned.
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.
“Accuracy, fairness, and professionalism are critical to maintaining the credibility of the media and ensuring the public remains informed with the truth,” Kiptoo said.
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