Dennis Itumbi, who serves as the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, recently opened up about his past connection with former television queen Jacque Maribe.

Speaking on the Off The Grid podcast, Itumbi addressed the persistent public narrative surrounding their relationship, including a widely circulated photo of them kissing.

The Infamous Kiss Explained

Itumbi clarified that the much-talked-about kiss with Jacque Maribe was not a romantic gesture but rather an outcome of a party game.

"It was actually a game. It was a birthday, and the guys picked up this thing. What do they call that? I mean, truth or bottles," he explained.

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The dare presented was a kiss, with a penalty of 50,000 shillings if refused.

"I mean, surely I lose 50,000 shillings instead of benefit from a kiss," Itumbi remarked, indicating he opted for the kiss over the fine.

Regret Over an "Overplayed" Narrative

Despite the casual nature of the kiss, Itumbi expressed a deep regret about how their perceived relationship was amplified in public.

He stated, "I sincerely wish that what you guys speak about with Maribe was true. I sincerely wish I had made it true because I think then it would have stopped, there's too much, there's too much, what push, including from my own mother".

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He revealed that the "Jacque Maribe bit" has been overplayed to the point where he still has to explain it when approaching new people.

“I think we overplayed that to a level that now even today, if I approach a girl first, I have to explain the Jacque Maribe bit. I mean, it'scrazy. We overplayed it."

A Friendship That Endured

Itumbi stressed that his connection with Maribe was, and remains, a strong friendship.

He confirmed that they were "just actually very good friends," and Maribe was dating someone else at the time the public speculation began.

Their bond was tested and proven through difficult times.

"She stood with me when I was in court. I stood with her when she was facing her own court process," Itumbi shared, highlighting the depth of their friendship.