Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, has accused the Daily Nation of publishing “false and misleading” claims about a whistleblower at the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The dispute centres on Andrew Rotich, the official who exposed a major medical billing scandal. The Daily Nation reported that Rotich lost his job after failing to secure a fresh shortlist for the role of Deputy Director of Forensic Audit and Risk Assurance.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Itumbi dismissed the report, insisting that Rotich never applied for the Deputy Director post.

“Andrew Rotich never applied for Deputy Director like the lying newsroom at Nation alleges. He applied for Assistant Director; he is actually already shortlisted, waiting for interviews,” Itumbi said. He went on to brand the newspaper “a factory of lies.”

Conflicting Accounts

The Daily Nation had linked Rotich’s alleged job loss to his whistleblowing, suggesting he was sidelined after exposing fraud within the health sector. The report claimed that his revelations led to the closure of more than 1,300 facilities accused of fraudulent billing.

However, Itumbi maintained that Rotich’s whistleblowing had no bearing on the ongoing recruitment process. “The Nation styles itself as the Home of Truth, but is full of lies as usual,” he wrote.

This is not the first time Itumbi has clashed with the publication. Earlier this month, he rubbished another report that claimed President William Ruto held unsuccessful meetings with senior police officers in Mombasa. Itumbi argued the story was fabricated, pointing out that the President was not in Mombasa at the time.

Broader Debate

The row highlights ongoing tensions between State House allies and sections of the media, with press freedom advocates warning against attempts to discredit independent reporting. Meanwhile, SHA has yet to issue an official statement clarifying Rotich’s job status.

For now, the fate of the whistleblower remains under scrutiny as the recruitment process continues.