PS Kiptoo Denies Allegations of Procuring Spying Software for 2027 Elections

Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo has threatened to take legal action against the Nation Media Group (NMG) following an article about the government’s plan to purchase ‘spying software’ ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kiptoo in a statement on Tuesday, November 26, distanced himself from the allegations and termed the story titled “Ruto Men Sued Over ‘Classified’ Spying Software” as false and misleading.

The article, which features Kiptoo’s image, implicates him in an alleged government plan to acquire classified technology for propaganda purposes ahead of the next general elections. “These allegations are unfounded,” Kiptoo asserted in a statement shared on the National Treasury’s X account.

Additionally, the article claims that “confidential accounts” exist within the 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,” the PS clarified.

The article further alleges that a petition had been filed against those involved in the procurement of the alleged ‘spying software’ that is set to be purchased in the future.

The Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) stated that he has never met or interacted with the individual who allegedly filed a lawsuit against government officials involved in the scheme. 

PS Kiptoo further clarified that he was unaware of the government’s plan to purchase the multimillion-dollar software. 

Additionally, he criticised NMG for using his photo on the cover of its newspaper. He claimed that this use of his image led to defamation, as it wrongfully implicated him and created a false association between him and the allegations.

“It is worth noting that the National Treasury and I have always enjoyed a positive and professional working relationship with the Daily Nation. It is therefore deeply concerning that the newspaper would publish such a misleading article without due diligence,” PS Kiptoo noted.

Following the allegations, the PS ordered the media house to immediately unpublish the story and consequently issue a public apology for tainting his reputation.

“Should the newspaper fail to take corrective action, I reserve the right to pursue all legal remedies available to protect my name. I call 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,” the PS remarked.