Dennis Itumbi has revived a 2003 newspaper headline to defend President William Ruto’s administration against mounting criticism.
On Sunday, September 21, the digital strategist referenced a past Standard headline titled “Kenyans Becoming Poorer Under Narc”. The article was published less than a year into the late President Mwai Kibaki’s term, questioning his policies.
Itumbi argued that Kibaki’s reforms were initially unpopular but later transformed the economy. He suggested that President Ruto is facing similar resistance.
“This Standard Kenya Media told us Kibaki was taking Kenya in the wrong direction. Nothing new. Like President William Ruto says, you have to keep doing what you must. Like in Kibaki’s era, there will be noise initially, but eventually it shall be well,” he wrote on X.
Ruto’s government has come under sharp criticism over the rising cost of living, heavy taxation, and alleged incompetence among senior Cabinet members.
Earlier this month, The Standard ran a headline “Unmoved by Outcry” featuring Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Defence CS Aden Duale, and Energy CS Davis Chirchir. The piece highlighted growing dissatisfaction with their performance.
In response, Itumbi accused the media house of acting like a political party rather than an independent newsroom.
“Dear StandardKenya, please open a newsroom and convert it into a political party, then bring your manifesto. Your daily fake commentary presented as news is a total shame to journalism,” he wrote.
Itumbi, a close ally of President Ruto, has been at the forefront in defending the administration. He frequently dismisses critical reports and urges Kenyans to be patient with government reforms.
