Three key aides of President William Ruto, accused in a legal dispute over an alleged spying software contract, have vehemently denied any involvement and called for the case to be dismissed.
According to the reports by Nation Africa on February 5, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor have filed a joint response rejecting claims made by software developer Mary Wachuka, who has sued them for breach of contract.
The trio, responding through the office of the Attorney General, refuted allegations that they procured software meant for mass surveillance and suppression of government criticism.
President William Ruto flanked by DP Kithure Kindiki, CS Aden Duale during Mandera tour on February 4, 2024. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
Wachuka, the owner of Jipe Inc., has accused the three officials, along with presidential speechwriter Eric Ng’eno and businessman Jayesh Saini, of failing to honor a $2.2 million (Sh292 million) contract for the development of the software.
Koskei, Kiptoo, and Oduor insist they had no knowledge of any contract with Wachuka and argued that her allegations amount to an admission of illegal activity.
Their response, filed on January 31 through senior state counsel Bonn Bett, asserts that any software designed for mass surveillance and online manipulation would violate Kenya’s Constitution and data protection laws.
The officials further contend that any contract purporting to develop such software would be illegal, void, and unenforceable under Kenyan law.
Tycoon Jayesh Saini. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
They accused Wachuka of seeking judicial relief for an arrangement that she herself acknowledges was unlawful.
In court filings, Wachuka claimed she was engaged by State House officials to create a system capable of spying on opposition leaders, managing the social media accounts of top government officials, and shaping public opinion in favor of the administration.
She alleged that Ng’eno, acting on behalf of President Ruto, had urged her to urgently develop the software to bolster the president’s 2027 re-election bid.
The Head of Public Service Dr. Felix Koskei gestures during a past event. Photo: The Star Source: IG
Saini, another respondent in the suit, has also denied any involvement, arguing through his lawyers that he was a stranger to the alleged deal.
Meanwhile, Ng’eno has yet to respond to the lawsuit, leading Wachuka to request a default judgment against him.
The case continues to unfold as the High Court deliberates on the matter, with both parties awaiting the court’s decision on the next steps in the controversial legal battle.
