A collage of DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua and Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi/SCREENGRAB
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following renewed criticism over his role in government.
Itumbi dismissed the claims by Gachagua as political attacks, insisting his rise has been shaped by “God and hard work.”
Speaking after remarks by Gachagua from the United Kingdom, Itumbi said his journey in media and government was a story of gradual progression and not political favouritism, adding that he had worked his way up from blogging to senior government communication roles.
“Ni story ya God! I started as a blogger, actually a correspondent, then I became a journalist and then a blogger… It is true, but this is God who has lifted me, and I am holding office today,” Itumbi said.
He defended his current position, saying critics should focus on performance rather than personal attacks, while pointing out that Gachagua himself had once held public office.
He reminded Gachagua that leadership positions are not new to him, referencing his earlier roles in government.
“Even you were a D.O. It’s just that we don’t remember any projects you did when you were there. There is nothing we remember you for,” he said.
Itumbi further accused the DCP leader of inconsistency in his criticism, noting that he had previously served in senior government positions, including as a personal assistant in a former administration.
According to Itumbi, his own appointment as a digital strategist in government was part of a structured scheme recognising the role of content creators and bloggers in public communication.
“Today you can be employed as a digital strategist in government because we introduced a scheme of service for bloggers to be digital strategists. I have just worked,” he said.
He also questioned why Gachagua had not raised concerns while still in office, saying the current criticism only emerged after leaving government.
“You never wrote a letter complaining about it when you were in office. You are complaining because you are outside,” he said.
Itumbi went further, dismissing claims that he influences government operations in the absence of the President, insisting he only executes assigned duties.
He also responded to allegations about office allocation, which Gachagua had linked to a space previously associated with the late former President Mwai Kibaki.
“That office story is politics. I am focused on my work. I was given a job, and I am doing it,” he said.
The exchange follows comments by Gachagua from the UK, where he alleged that the executive sometimes allows Itumbi to coordinate government activities during foreign trips.
Gachagua also referenced a viral video showing senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries from key ministries, in high-level talks aimed at resolving disruptions in the transport sector.
