By Bonface Mulyungi

Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following renewed criticism over his role in government.

‎Itumbi dismissed the claims by Gachagua as political attacks, insisting his rise has been shaped by “God and hard work.”

‎Speaking after remarks by Gachagua from the United Kingdom, Itumbi said his journey in media and government was a story of gradual progression and not political favouritism, adding that he had worked his way up from blogging to senior government communication roles.

‎“Ni story ya God! I started as a blogger, actually a correspondent, then I became a journalist and then a blogger… It is true, but this is God who has lifted me, and I am holding office today,” Itumbi said.

‎He defended his current position, saying critics should focus on performance rather than personal attacks, while pointing out that Gachagua himself had once held public office.

‎He reminded Gachagua that leadership positions are not new to him, referencing his earlier roles in government.

‎“Even you were a D.O. It’s just that we don’t remember any projects you did when you were there. There is nothing we remember you for,” he said.

‎Itumbi further accused the DCP leader of inconsistency in his criticism, noting that he had previously served in senior government positions, including as a personal assistant in a former administration.

According to Itumbi, his own appointment as a digital strategist in government was part of a structured scheme recognising the role of content creators and bloggers in public communication.

‎“Today you can be employed as a digital strategist in government because we introduced a scheme of service for bloggers to be digital strategists. I have just worked,” he said.

‎He also questioned why Gachagua had not raised concerns while still in office, saying the current criticism only emerged after leaving government.

‎“You never wrote a letter complaining about it when you were in office. You are complaining because you are outside,” he said.

‎Itumbi went further, dismissing claims that he influences government operations in the absence of the President, insisting he only executes assigned duties.

‎He also responded to allegations about office allocation, which Gachagua had linked to a space previously associated with the late former President Mwai Kibaki.

‎“That office story is politics. I am focused on my work. I was given a job, and I am doing it,” he said.

‎The exchange follows comments by Gachagua from the UK, where he alleged that the executive sometimes allows Itumbi to coordinate government activities during foreign trips.

‎Gachagua also referenced a viral video showing senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries from key ministries, in high-level talks aimed at resolving disruptions in the transport sector.