The National Treasury’s Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo has forcefully rejected allegations published by the Nation Media Group (NMG) regarding a purported government plan to acquire sophisticated surveillance technology ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, November 26, Kiptoo categorically denies the claims and characterizes the article, titled “Ruto Men Sued Over ‘Classified’ Spying Software,” as fundamentally false and potentially defamatory. The controversial article not only featured Kiptoo’s image but also implicated him in an alleged governmental scheme to procure classified technology for propaganda purposes. Kiptoo emphatically states that these allegations were entirely unfounded.
He specifically addresses claims about confidential Treasury accounts, asserting that no such accounts exist and that the National Treasury operates under rigorous legal and regulatory frameworks designed to ensure absolute transparency and accountability. The publication had suggested that a legal petition was filed against individuals involved in the potential software procurement. Kiptoo categorically refutes this claim, declaring that he had neither met nor interacted with the purported petitioner and maintains complete unawareness of any governmental initiative to purchase such sophisticated and expensive software.
Of particular concern to Kiptoo is the newspaper’s decision to use his photograph, which he argues constituted deliberate defamation by inappropriately associating him with the unsubstantiated allegations. He emphasizes the historically positive and professional relationship between the National Treasury and the Daily Nation, expressing profound disappointment at what he perceives as a departure from responsible journalism.
Consequently, Kiptoo has demanded that NMG immediately retract the article and issue a comprehensive public apology. He explicitly warns that failure to take corrective action would compel him to pursue all available legal remedies to protect his professional reputation. Furthermore, he calls upon media organizations to adhere strictly to the highest journalistic standards as prescribed by the Media Council Act and the established Code of Conduct for Journalism in Kenya.
