A high-stakes commercial litigation has brought to light President William Ruto’s alleged plan to acquire an online propaganda tool aimed at countering hostility against his administration and enhancing his 2027 re-election campaign.
The fallout between close aides of the President and the American owners of a $923,346 (Sh120 million) software has unveiled an alleged scheme to deploy “confidential software with spying capabilities” as part of Dr. Ruto’s political strategy.
It also sheds light on how public funds from confidential accounts were allegedly intended to fund “technological solutions to ensure consistency and clarity in government communications,” raising concerns over potential court payouts for breach of contract.
The case, filed on Monday, November 25, at the Milimani High Court, was initiated by Mary Wachuka Maina, a dual Kenyan-Canadian citizen and owner of Canada-registered Jipe Inc.
Identifying herself as an international data scientist and software engineer, she detailed her involvement in the collapsed project and the repercussions she faced.
The dispute initially surfaced in New York, where Wachuka was compelled to pay $950,430 (Sh123 million) to a subcontractor for the failed Kenyan project.
Now, she seeks $2,246,322 (Sh292 million) in compensation, alongside a court order to restrain senior government officials and presidential aides from issuing threats against her and her family.
The defendants include Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Attorney-General, Jayesh Saini, and Eric Ng’eno, the President’s speechwriter. Court papers accuse the defendants of “fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of contract,” causing Wachuka a loss of $1,322,976 (Sh172 million).
Ng’eno allegedly tasked Wachuka and Jipe Inc. to develop software capable of managing the President and Deputy President’s social media accounts, deleting negative reactions, and anticipating critical media coverage.
Negotiations reportedly began on November 7, 2023, at a Kilimani restaurant, where Ng’eno presented the project to Wachuka, emphasizing its urgency.
The proposed software was to possess advanced features, including monitoring opposition activities, influencing trending hashtags, conducting psychometric profiling, and disseminating government-aligned messaging while discrediting opposition and media.
Despite no formal contract, Wachuka began work based on Ng’eno’s assurances of payment through confidential Treasury accounts.
Jayesh Saini, a financier linked to multiple controversies, including the Clinix scandal and the SHIF Sh104 billion deal, was introduced as the project’s overseer.
However, Wachuka expressed doubts about his ability to manage the project, leading to tensions.
Despite her concerns, Ng’eno urged her to proceed, citing presidential approval secured on December 18, 2023.
Wachuka subcontracted Tesxo, a US-based firm, at $460,000 (Sh60 million), agreeing to strict timelines and penalties for delays.
Payment delays strained Wachuka’s finances, forcing her to pay penalties to Tesxo while awaiting funds from the government.
By February 2024, Tesxo issued legal threats over unpaid amounts, leading Wachuka to liquidate assets, including her US home, to settle debts.
The project ultimately collapsed, and Wachuka claims to have faced menacing threats from unnamed individuals.
Court papers allege the software was intended to manipulate public sentiment, discredit opposition, and enhance the administration’s image.
Wachuka seeks Sh119 million for breach of contract, Sh170 million for damages, Sh12 million for penalties paid, and Sh47 million for losses incurred from selling her house.
Amid ongoing threats, Wachuka demands court intervention to protect her and her family while holding the government accountable for its contractual failures.
