• "The Office of the First Daughter is a private entity."
• She said the office has been engaging different stakeholders as part of its objectives, which include pushing for youth based agendas and climate change advocacy.
Image: CHARLENE RUTO/TWITTER
President William Ruto's daughter, Charlene, has defended herself following criticism over her remarks about the Office of the First Daughter.
She claimed that the office she holds, the Office of the First Daughter, is a private entity.
In a statement on Wednesday, Charlene said her office was also not being run using the taxpayers' money.
"The Office of the First Daughter is a private entity. It is neither a constitutional office nor is it being funded by Kenyan taxpayers. The office runs to purely facilitate the activities of and any programs by Ms Charlene Ruto," reads the statement.
She said the office has been engaging different stakeholders as part of its objectives, which include pushing for youth-based agendas and climate change advocacy.
"The Office of the First Daughter has at all times acted in good faith to ensure that the Kenyan Youth have a voice and get access to opportunities to enable sustainable livelihoods."
On Tuesday, Charlene caused an online uproar after saying she was running a fully staffed Office of the First Daughter.
In an undated video clip, Charlene is heard referring to her office as the Office of the First Daughter while introducing members of her team at a function.
"Before again I continue I wanted to introduce quickly my team from Kenya," she said.
She went ahead and introduced a Mr Mike Sagana, whom she said is a politician and her principal advisor.
"And this is Jermain Momanyi, he is the head of Trade and Investment at the Office of the First Daughter," Charlene said to which the crowd responded with cheers, giggles and claps.
"I don't get what is funny," Charlene said in response as she continued with the introduction in the 40-second clip.
On November 26-27, Charlene trended at number one on Twitter as people questioned in what capacity she engaging in political affairs.
This followed her series of political engagements including visits to county assemblies, meetings with governors and an unofficial state visit to Morocco.