In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has denied claims of a government plot to procure spying software, calling the allegations baseless and demanding a retraction from Daily Nation.
- The case, filed by Mary Wachuka, alleges a failed software deal with Jipe Inc., leading to financial losses and threats, with compensation now sought in court.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has refuted allegations that the government planned to procure software to spy on Kenyans, manage President William Ruto’s communications, and counter criticism of his administration.
The claims, published by the Daily Nation, accused Koskei and other senior officials, including Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo and speechwriter Eric Ng’eno, of involvement in the alleged scheme.
Koskei dismissed the report as baseless, stating he had never met Mary Wachuka Maina, the plaintiff in a case at the Milimani Law Courts that triggered the claims.
According to court documents, Wachuka alleged that her company, Jipe Inc., was engaged to develop a Ksh.120 million software platform for propaganda and surveillance, a deal that ultimately fell through.
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In his statement, Koskei denied any knowledge of such a procurement, emphasizing that there is no government need for such software.
He accused the Daily Nation of irresponsibly publishing the story without seeking his response and demanded an immediate retraction and public apology, threatening legal action if his demands were not met.
PS Chris Kiptoo also rejected the allegations, labeling them as inaccurate and unsubstantiated.
He clarified that no secret accounts exist within the National Treasury for funding such schemes and criticized the Daily Nation for publishing the report with his photograph.
The court case claims Wachuka incurred significant losses, including fines to an American subcontractor, Texos, after the government allegedly reneged on the deal. She is now seeking over Ksh.172 million in compensation for breach of contract, alongside allegations of harassment and threats from government officials.