Dennis Itumbi, the former director of digital media in the Office of the President. He and other directors in the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit were sacked on March 18, 2020. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
News in Kenya

Itumbi, 4 Others Fired From State House

March 19, 2020
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Digital Communications Director at the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU), Dennis Itumbi, was on March 18, fired from his plum state job.

4 other state officials -James Kinyua (Directorate of Communication, Events, and Branding), Erick Ng’eno (Director of Messaging), David Nzioka (Directorate of Communication, Events, and Branding), and John Ndolo (Principal Information Officer – Head of Digital Strategies), were also sacked.

The vocal communication strategist happened to be celebrating his birthday, when the news of the contract termination broke.

Dennis Itumbi (Second from right) with members of the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit.
Dennis Itumbi (Second from right) with members of the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit./TWITTER
On its part, the Public Service Commission announced that it had scrapped the five positions within the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) due to redundancy.

“The contracts of the five are terminated in accordance with termination clauses to facilitate the payments of gratuities on pro-rata basis,” a letter copied to the PS in the Ministry of Public Service, PSC CEO Simon Rotich, reads in part.

The terrorist attack on Kenya’s security forces in Yumbis, Garissa County, was a key turning point in the State House communications tenure.

Then Interior Cabinet Secretary Major-General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery, was incensed when the official PSCU twitter account announced that several officers had lost their lives, without verifying the information through him.

He issued the State House-based outfit with a stern warning, “What happened was a truly confusing situation. The fellows at the State House must get this message right. If they misinform the public, we will get hold of them. We are looking at ways of dealing with it,” he stated.

Several leaders have since weighed in on Itumbi’s sacking, key among them being Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Mukomen.

“Dear, Dennis Itumbi, James Kinyua, Erick Ng’eno, David Nzioka. You served the State with passion & commitment in the most difficult period; 3 elections & ICC. With COVID19 it’s the worst time to lose a job. You are in my prayers. God will provide for you & your families. It is well!” Murkomen tweeted.

“Proverbs 24:17 -18 -Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them,” Murkomen told Kipkorir.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen during a meeting of the BBI committee at Laico Regency on Tuesday, March 10.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen during a meeting of the BBI committee at Laico Regency on Tuesday, March 10./SIMON KIRAGU KENYANS.CO.KE

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