ICT CAS Dennis Itumbi threatens to sue NMG for libel, cited among defiant CASs in office
ICT and Digital Economy Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Dennis Itumbi has threatened to take legal action against the Nation Media Group owned by His Highness the Aga Khan who also doubles as the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for citing him among the defiant CASs in office despite a court order barring the same being in force.
Through a demand letter drawn by Adrian Kamotho Njenga & Company Advocates dated May 23, 2023, Itumbi demanded an apology in 48 hours or file libel suit against the media house.
He cited the publication by Sunday Nation and Taifa Leo dailies as being defamatory in which a photo depicting his image was prominently used.
“Self-evidently, the Nation Media Group is on a relentless pursuit to demonise our client by publishing miserable non-starters simply to portray our client as rogue and disrespectful to the law.” Itumbi said through his lawyer.
The CAS known for his bare-knuckle approach, had earlier, following the court injunction barring the CASs from assuming office made a social media post saying he will subject himself to the court process.
He also filed a suit challenging the court decision.
On March 24, 2023, the High Court stopped the fifty CASs from assuming office pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Katiba Institute.
However, a number of CASs have since defied the court directive and reporting in office and discharging official duties including accompanying respective Cabinet Secretaries to meetings, foreign trips among other official functions.
“Our law-abiding client has never breached the terms of the court order hysterically alluded by yourselves or any valid court in his lifetime.” The demand letter reads in part.
