The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has dismissed widespread rumors about Charlene Ruto being appointed chairperson of the National Mining Corporation. In an official statement, the ministry labeled the circulating claims as false.
Reports had surfaced on social media, suggesting that the first daughter was appointed for a three-year term. However, the ministry clarified that Joseph Kipchumba Lagat is the actual appointee, effective October 4, 2024. The official notice was shared to counter the misleading information that had been trending.
The ministry’s statement revealed that the fake notice was a doctored version of the legitimate announcement, which included Charlene’s name in place of Lagat’s. All other details, including the Gazette Notice number, were identical. This manipulation had sparked outrage among some Kenyans, who criticized President William Ruto for allegedly favoring his daughter with a government position.
Many social media users reacted strongly to the news, with one post highlighting concerns over nepotism: “While we focused on Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, Ruto appointed his daughter to the mining chair. Is this fair?” Others expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the appointment.
Despite the ministry’s efforts to clarify the situation, confusion persists among the public. Some continue to question the veracity of the ministry’s statement, indicating a deeper issue of trust in official communications. This incident raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential for public outrage based on false claims.
The ministry has urged the public to verify information before sharing it online. As misinformation spreads rapidly, it remains crucial for Kenyans to rely on credible sources for news. The dismissal of Charlene Ruto’s alleged appointment serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government communications.
By Newsmedia