President William Ruto has issued a blunt warning to Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi over rising piracy in Kenya, telling him that failure to address the vice could cost him his job.

The President made the remarks during the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, where he singled out Itumbi in a rare public exchange and demanded accountability on efforts to curb content theft in the country’s creative industry.

“And finally, I have a guy. I gave a job called Dennis Itumbi. I want Dennis to come right here,” Ruto said as he addressed stakeholders in the film sector.

“I gave you a job, and I told you what the job description was. I want you to answer something about piracy, to tell me and this audience, what is it that we are doing about piracy?” he said.

The remarks set the tone for a candid moment at the event, which traditionally celebrates achievements in Kenya’s film and television industry but has increasingly become a platform for addressing structural challenges affecting creatives.

Responding to the President, Itumbi acknowledged the scale of the piracy problem, admitting that existing mechanisms have not delivered results.

“Your Excellency, it is true we have a problem on piracy,” Itumbi said.

“What is happening is that we have a commission under the Kenya Film Commission. We have a board that’s dealing with piracy, but it has been slow in giving the results.”

He pledged to deliver a concrete plan within two weeks, saying the government would work with creatives to develop solutions.

“What I can pledge here today is that in the next two weeks, we will bring to you a roadmap. We are going to sit with some members of this team seated here today. We’ll pick five creatives and come back with a roadmap on what we intend to do,” Itumbi said.

He further revealed that piracy has already had tangible consequences on the industry, including the loss of key distribution platforms.

“We have indeed lost Showmax, which is a platform, because of piracy. So in two weeks’ time, your Excellency, we will bring a roadmap on what we intend to do,” he said.

But in a sharp rejoinder, Ruto warned that the commitment must translate into action, linking Itumbi’s performance directly to his position.

“And that stands between you and your job. You should know that,” the President said.

The exchange highlights growing concern within government over the impact of piracy on Kenya’s creative economy, which stakeholders say continues to undermine revenues, discourage investment and limit opportunities for local content creators.

The Kalasha awards, organised by the Kenya Film Commission, are a flagship event aimed at promoting Kenya’s film industry and recognising excellence among actors, producers and filmmakers.

In recent years, industry players have consistently raised concerns about piracy, citing weak enforcement, slow regulatory processes and the rapid spread of digital platforms that make illegal distribution easier.

The remarks signal a shift towards a more assertive stance by the government, placing pressure on officials tasked with driving reforms in the sector.

The ultimatum now sets a two-week timeline for a policy response, with creatives expected to be part of the process as the government seeks to tighten control over content distribution and protect intellectual property rights

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has publicly rebuked Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, accusing him of hypocrisy and warning him against dragging his name into what he termed “deceitful politics.”

In a statement, Ichung’wah dismissed claims by Kang’ata that he had been exerting political pressure on him, insisting that his previous remarks were made openly and were meant to call out inconsistencies in the governor’s conduct.

“What is it I am hearing that you claim I have been pressuring you? I said what I said to you at Kenneth Matiba Hospital in public — not to exert pressure but to call out the hypocrisy I saw in your engagements,” Ichung’wah said.

The Majority Leader suggested that the two had a long history, referencing a past meeting in Lavington during a politically sensitive period, which he said would better qualify as “pressure.”

“Remember our Lavington meeting at the time of impeachment? That is what would constitute exerting pressure — the kind of pressure you were exerting to be named Deputy President,” he stated.

Ichung’wah accused Kang’ata of engaging in opportunistic politics, maintaining that his position on the governor’s ambitions and conduct had remained unchanged.

“I gave you my piece of mind on your candidature and the politics of hypocrisy that I read in your quest. I am still of the same view today,” he added.

He further cautioned Kang’ata against invoking his name in political maneuvering linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alleging that the governor was attempting to gain favor and edge out competitors.

“Desist from name dropping my name to please Gachagua to drop your competitors. Pay the ransoms he demands if you desire to be his candidate,” Ichung’wah said.

In an apparent escalation, Ichung’wah hinted at undisclosed details from their past dealings, warning Kang’ata against further provocation.

“My brother, do you really want me to disclose to the people of Murang’a full details of our Lavington meeting, including what you did with Murang’a resources? It is not in your interest,” he said.

The remarks come in the wake of Kang’ata’s announcement that he will not seek re-election on the ticket of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing “honest differences” over policy priorities such as manufacturing, health, and education.

Kang’ata said his decision followed unsuccessful efforts to push for greater focus on socio-economic development within the party, despite engaging President William Ruto in direct discussions.

“After careful reflection, I have to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket,” he said, adding that he would announce his next political move at a later date.

The governor also cited mounting political pressure during presidential visits to Murang’a, including calls to publicly endorse government programmes — claims that appear to have triggered Ichung’wah’s response.

Despite the fallout, Kang’ata maintained he would remain in UDA for the remainder of his term and continue cooperating with the national government.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has reignited a political showdown with former President Uhuru Kenyatta after filing a motion in Parliament seeking to drastically reduce or revoke the retirement benefits accorded to the retired Head of State.

In the motion, Cherargei wants Parliament to “revoke, reallocate or vary” the budget relating to the benefits of the former President, arguing that the funds would be better spent on the Kenyan people.

“The House recommends that any funds recovered from benefits previously accorded to the retired President shall be redirected to serve the interests and welfare of the people of Kenya,” part of the motion reads.

The senator has also called upon the Auditor General to conduct a full audit of all public resources allocated to Uhuru since he left office and to submit a report to Parliament within 60 days. Based on the audit findings, Cherargei wants lawmakers to approve the revocation or reallocation of budgetary provisions for the former President, subject to legal procedures.

The move comes in the wake of sustained attacks on Uhuru by allies of President William Ruto, of whom Cherargei is a vocal supporter. The former President has recently stepped up his political engagements, openly criticizing the current administration and endorsing opposition figures.

Speaking via phone to Jubilee party members during an event in Narok town, Uhuru threw his weight behind former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a potential presidential candidate. He also hit out at unnamed politicians who have criticized his continued involvement in politics, insisting that he retains the right to speak on national matters.

Cherargei’s motion is likely to face stiff opposition from lawmakers allied to the former President, who view it as a politically motivated witch-hunt rather than a genuine fiscal intervention. Critics argue that retired presidents, like all citizens, are entitled to dignity and security under the law.

If passed, the motion could set a precedent for scaling back post-presidential privileges, a move that would affect all future retired heads of state. The proposed audit and budget cuts would require parliamentary approval and would likely face legal challenges over constitutional protections for retired leaders.

At the time of reporting, the former President’s office had not issued an official response to the motion.

Jubilee party has come out guns blazing to defend former President Uhuru Kenyatta from attacks from leaders allied to the governing UDA party.

The party says it is alarmed by statements from some politicians threatening to have Mr Kenyatta’s retirement benefits withdrawn for criticism of his successor, Ruto.

“We are particularly concerned, and indeed alarmed by reckless statements from certain political actors threatening punitive action against the former President, including the suggestion that his retirement benefits could be withdrawn,” reads a statement from the party.

In a letter signed by Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta, the party took umbrage with President Ruto for the attacks on his predecessor as a way of securing a second term.

“Retirement benefits for former Presidents are not political favours to be granted or withdrawn at will. They are legal entitlements grounded in law, designed to preserve the dignity of the office and to ensure continuity and stability within our system of governance,” said Ole Kenta.

The brouhaha started after Mr Kenyatta, who is also the Jubilee party leader, attacked the government over failures to govern and lack of development, and this was met with scathing attacks from UDA leaders.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and MP Joseph Cherorot recently warned of a plan to revoke Uhuru Kenyatta’s benefits because of his comments criticising the government.

They asked Mr Kenyatta to be like his predecessors, Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki, who retired and did not criticise their successors.

“Sisi wakenya si wajinga, wachana na mambo ya chama, kama bado unataka kupata ile benefits ya serial… tukiwa bunge tutaleta mswada hiyo pesa yake ambaye anapata kutoka serikali, tutaondoa…” said MP Cherorot.

As for Mr Cheruiyot, he blasted the former head of state, telling him to “behave” like his predecessors.

“The late President Moi, when he retired in 2002, he went to his farm in Kabarak and never bothered to do the silly monkey games you are doing today. When Kibaki went on retirement, he respected the office that the people of Kenya had given him; he peacefully rested in his home,” said an angry Cheruiyot.

He went on.

“What is so special about you that after 10 years of presidency, instead of relaxing and respecting yourself, you are here addressing people all over the country as if there is anything special you did when you were president of Kenya…”

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, also jumped on the attack train, criticising Mr Kenyatta and calling on him to accord President William Ruto the respect befitting the office.

Ruku noted that President Ruto remained loyal and respectful throughout his time as Deputy President, and questioned why the same courtesy was not being extended now.

“When Uhuru was president, Ruto respected him fully as Head of State. His current posture does not reflect the same respect for the presidency. Why can’t he reciprocate?” posed Ruku.

But Jubilee sees it another way. The party believes this is not an isolated reaction but part of a sustained pattern.

“From the very first day this administration assumed office, it has sought to construct a political narrative anchored not in its own vision or delivery, but in the constant invocation of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta as a point of blame, distraction, and deflection. Every challenge becomes his legacy,” reads a statement.

“Every failure is conveniently projected backwards. Every unmet promise is explained away by invoking his name. This approach is not only intellectually lazy; it is politically dishonest.”

The party defends Mr Kenyatta, saying his remarks were not incendiary nor divisive but were grounded in the lived realities of millions of Kenyans.

“The fixation on Uhuru Kenyatta must be understood. It is not about him. It is about the failure to confront present realities. Such statements are not only constitutionally untenable; they represent a dangerous erosion of the respect and dignity accorded to the Office of the President, both past and present,” reads the statement signed by the Jubilee Secretary General.