In a strong rebuttal to recent claims made in The Daily Nation, Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, has categorically denied any association with a controversial software deal involving Ms. Mary Wachuka Maina and her company, Jipe Inc.
A report published on Tuesday alleged that senior government officials, including Koskei, were implicated in efforts to acquire an online propaganda platform aimed at bolstering President William Ruto’s administration and his re-election campaign.
Koskei expressed his outrage over the publication, emphasizing that neither Ms. Wachuka nor Jipe Inc. are known to him and highlighted that a purported meeting between them never took place.
“I am not aware of any procurement of such software by the Government. Furthermore, there is no Government need, nor will there ever be a need, for such software,” he stated, distancing himself from the allegations.
The report, sourced from a case filed at the Milimani Law Courts by Wachuka, claims that public funds were funneled to acquire the technology.
Court documents reveal that a discussion about the project took place on November 7, 2023, with Eric Ng’eno, President Ruto’s speechwriter, allegedly directing Wachuka to initiate the venture.
Despite no formal contractual agreement, the report implies a substantial financial commitment, including an initial payment of Ksh.60 million to an American firm, Texos.
Wachuka has reportedly accused government officials of harassment and threats while seeking compensation exceeding Ksh.172 million for an alleged breach of contract.
In his statement, Koskei condemned the misuse of his name and photograph in what he described as a “defamatory and baseless claim,” calling for an immediate retraction of the story and a public apology from The Daily Nation.
He warned that failure to comply would force him to explore legal options to safeguard his reputation.
