Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, has finally spoken openly about his long-rumored relationship with former TV anchor Jacque Maribe.
Appearing on the Off The Grid podcast, Itumbi addressed years of speculation, particularly surrounding a viral photo of the two sharing a kiss.
The Infamous Kiss
According to Itumbi, the kiss that fueled endless gossip was never romantic—it was the result of a lighthearted party game.
“It was actually a game. It was a birthday, and the guys picked up this thing—truth or bottles,” he explained.
The dare required a kiss, with a Sh50,000 penalty for anyone who refused. “Surely, I wouldn’t lose 50,000 shillings instead of benefitting from a kiss,” Itumbi said with a laugh, noting he chose the kiss over the fine.
Living With an “Overplayed” Narrative
While the kiss may have been innocent, Itumbi admitted that the public fixation on his supposed romance with Maribe has been overwhelming.
“I sincerely wish that what you guys say about Maribe was true. I sincerely wish I had made it true—maybe then it would have stopped,” he reflected, adding that even his mother often pushed him about the matter.
The speculation, he said, still follows him into new relationships. “Even today, if I approach a girl first, I have to explain the Jacque Maribe bit. It’s crazy—we overplayed it.”
A Bond Beyond Rumors
Despite the noise, Itumbi emphasized that his bond with Maribe has always been rooted in friendship.
“We were just very good friends. In fact, she was dating someone else at the time,” he clarified.
Their loyalty to each other has endured through tough seasons. “She stood with me when I was in court, and I stood with her when she was facing her own court process,” he said, underscoring the strength of their friendship.

