Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango has issued a formal demand to two media houses to retract reports linking him to women's underwear branded with his name and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) identity. Murango's lawyers, Sakimpa & Partners Advocates, delivered the correspondence on September 24, 2026, categorically denying any involvement in the production, procurement, or distribution of the items.
The senator's legal team stated that Murango neither authorised the use of his name on the underwear nor directed anyone to distribute the items. They wrote that Murango did not print, procure, buy, supply, or distribute the underwear shown in a video. The lawyers also rejected the suggestion that the appearance of both his name and the NGAAF label on the items constituted evidence of his involvement.
The lawyers criticised the media houses for publishing the allegations without first seeking the senator's comment. They stated that had Murango been contacted, he would have denied any connection and clarified his position. The legal team was particularly concerned about the implication that Murango had exploited a public fund's identity for political gain.
Murango's lawyers have called on the two media houses to remove the reports and all related content from digital platforms, issue a correction and retraction, and publish an unequivocal public apology. They also want the senator to be given airtime or space to present his response on the same platforms where the allegations appeared.
Beyond retractions, the legal team is seeking an admission of liability and financial compensation for what it describes as false and damaging coverage. The ultimatum gives the media houses 24 hours to comply. Should they fail to do so, the lawyers warned that Murango would pursue the matter before the Media Complaints Commission and may institute civil proceedings seeking damages and other remedies.
The controversy has surfaced as Murango campaigns for the Kirinyaga governorship ahead of the 2027 General Election, a context his legal team says makes the allegations all the more harmful to his public standing. Kirinyaga woman Maina Njeri also denied involvement in the matter and demanded an apology from the media houses for linking Kirinyanga NGAAF to the matter.
Njeri stated that her office was not involved in printing and distribution of the underwear. The issue has sparked widespread attention, with many Kenyans expressing concern over the use of public funds for political gain. The Media Complaints Commission and civil proceedings may be the next steps if the media houses fail to comply with Murango's demands.
Key points
- Kirinyaga Senator James Murango demands apology from media houses over NGAAF underwear reports.
- Murango's lawyers issue 24-hour ultimatum to media houses to retract reports.
- The controversy surfaces as Murango campaigns for Kirinyaga governorship ahead of 2027 General Election.
