Digital Media strategist Denis Itumbi has dispelled claims that over 300 people accompanied president William Ruto to Dubai for the Climate Change Conference(COP28).
Accompanied by evidence of a list of people reportedly who jetted out of the country, Itumbi said that only 51 people, across the government went to Dubai.
While lauding Ruto for being serious about cutting travelling cost, Itumbi claimed that the initial list had 189 people only but the president rejected it.
“PRESIDENT @WilliamsRuto, is very serious about cutting down travel costs. He asked for the list of those travelling with him to Dubai for Cop 28. He got a list of 189 people. He returned it to the bureaucracy and demanded cuts. It came back as 144. He instructed that the list comes down to below 60. Finally, only, FIFY-ONE (51) – Essential staff travelled from across Government. That was a 73% cut on travel costs. Ignore the rumors’ being spread by the usual suspects,” he said.
Notable officials who accompanied the head of state as delegates include; the first lady Rachel Ruto, Her three children, DP Gachagua’s wife Dorcas, Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u and Environment CS Sopian Tuya.
A section of X users however blasted Itumbi, claiming that he was just covering up liars. Others however sought to know why spouses of the president and his deputy were on the list.
“Lol… looking at the list you have shared, only 3 have legitimate reasons to be there. 58 people plus their bodyguards, cooks, briefcase carriers etc sure is too much for COP28, especially for a country going to beg for money. What value did Governor of Nyeri add to the group?” a netizen reacted to the tweet by Itumbi.
Responding to the comment, Itumbi said, “Every person on that list has a role. You want to be a GOK critic operate on facts it helps. Wachana ba cheap propaganda.”
