Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi has dismissed reports claiming that some of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s functions had been reassigned to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, terming the allegations “fake news.”
In a lengthy statement, Itumbi accused The Standard Newspaper of publishing misleading claims, insisting that Kenya’s intergovernmental relations framework is governed by multiple constitutional and statutory institutions rather than a single office.
“DP Kithure Kindiki is absolutely right. The claims are FAKE NEWS. Unfortunately, this is another example of lazy journalism by The Standard, aka Hon. Gideon Moi’s X account,” Itumbi said.
He explained that the country’s intergovernmental relations are administered through four separate institutions, each with clearly defined mandates.
According to Itumbi, the National and County Government Coordinating Summit is the highest intergovernmental body and is chaired by the president alongside all 47 governors. He noted that the Summit provides overall leadership on cooperation between the national and county governments.
On the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), Itumbi said the body is established under the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and is chaired by the deputy president.
He explained that IBEC is responsible for coordinating fiscal relations between the two levels of government, discussing revenue sharing, reviewing county budget implementation, coordinating economic and budget policy, and resolving fiscal disputes.
“It is important to note that the PS Devolution sits in the DP’s Office,” he added.
Itumbi further stated that the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) serves as the technical implementation arm of the intergovernmental framework by implementing decisions of the Summit, facilitating consultations, resolving disputes, and monitoring agreements.
He argued that the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office plays a role because it is responsible for responding to parliamentary questions relating to the intergovernmental framework, adding that the Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs is domiciled in Mudavadi’s office.
The presidential aide also cited the Council of Governors, describing it as the collective voice of Kenya’s 47 county governments that works alongside the other institutions to promote cooperative governance.
“Each institution has a specific mandate. Suggesting that one office has taken over another’s constitutional or statutory role is simply inaccurate,” Itumbi said.
His remarks come after reports alleged that some responsibilities previously associated with Kindiki had been transferred to Mudavadi following recent changes within government, claims that both the deputy president and Itumbi have strongly denied.
