President William Ruto has accused Gideon Moi of attempting to blackmail him through persistent negative media coverage targeting his administration.
On June 24, Ruto launched a fresh attack on Standard Group, accusing the media house of using negative headlines to allegedly blackmail his administration.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Ruto claimed that what he described as “five days a week” of critical headlines and negative coverage of his government would not force him to give in to what he termed as greed and extortion.
Ruto Fires Back at Gideon Moi
The President specifically referenced Standard Media Group Chairman Moi Kijana Wamalwa, asserting that persistent criticism of his administration’s record would not yield any concessions from the government.
“GMoi,your STANDARD media’s 5 days a week EXTORTIONIST propaganda HEADLINES on me & my administration’s transformative track record will get you NOTHING & NOWHERE.BLACKMAIL to yield to your GREED? NEVER.Kenya belongs to all Kenyans,not you alone.Jaribu 8 days a week. Do your WORST,” Ruto said.
Ruto maintained that Kenya belongs to all citizens, not to any individual or institution. He also challenged his critics to intensify their scrutiny, stating that attempts at blackmail would never succeed.
Latest Standard Group Exposés Touching on President William Ruto
Recent months have seen a series of critical reports and investigations focusing on President William Ruto’s administration.
Today’s edition of The Standard, June 24, carried a front-page headline, “Protest Anxiety,” focusing on growing national tensions ahead of the planned Gen Z anniversary protests commemorating the June 2024 anti-government demonstrations. The cover highlighted government assurances on security, warnings from authorities about possible unrest, and concerns among sections of the public over the handling of the protests.
The front page featured images of President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki alongside protesters carrying the Kenyan flag, underscoring the heightened attention surrounding the planned demonstrations.
The headline adds to a series of critical reports and investigations that have scrutinized President Ruto’s administration in recent months. On June 23, 2026, a television report titled “The Gallery of Ruto’s Lies: Kenyans Furious as Ruto’s Promises Turn Into Empty Projects” questioned the progress of several government pledges, while similar coverage appeared on June 21 and 22 under the theme “Exposed: Kenyans Furious as Ruto’s Promises Turn Into Empty Projects.”
Also Read: Standard Group Blasts Govt Over Planned Shutdown of KTN and Radio Maisha
In May 2026, reports also highlighted political challenges facing the President. Coverage on May 3 pointed to pressure on Ruto’s political support in the Mt Kenya region, while reports on May 17 and May 19 focused on political headwinds in Western Kenya and criticism over fuel prices and the cost of living.
The administration has also faced scrutiny over passport issuance. Investigations published in late February and March 2026 alleged that a figure linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) obtained a Kenyan passport, raising questions about the issuance of documents and government accountability.
On June 15, 2026, a separate investigation alleged the existence of an illegal network facilitating the acquisition of Kenyan identity documents by foreigners through corrupt practices.
Ruto- Gideon Moi Conflict
Relations between President William Ruto and KANU leader Gideon Moi appeared to improve in late 2025 after years of political rivalry, with both leaders holding a series of meetings that signaled a possible political rapprochement.
On October 8, 2025, the President and Gideon Moi reportedly met at State House in Nairobi in what was seen as the first major step toward reconciliation. Reports linked the meeting to Moi’s withdrawal from the Baringo Senate race and discussions on future political cooperation.
Also Read: Gideon Moi Withdraws from Race After Ruto Meeting
The rapprochement became more visible on October 10, 2025, when Ruto attended a meeting at Kabarak in Nakuru County with KANU delegates. The event was presented as a landmark reconciliation effort, with both sides describing the relationship as a working arrangement rather than continued political hostility.
Further consultations were reported on October 27, 2025, during another meeting at State House involving Gideon Moi and leaders from Baringo County. Speculation emerged that Moi could join the government, with some reports referring to him as an “incoming Cabinet Secretary,” although no official appointment was announced.
Following the talks and public displays of unity, reports indicated that discussions included possible government positions for Gideon Moi and his allies. However, by mid-2026, no cabinet appointment for Moi had been formally confirmed, leaving details of the political arrangement unclear.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
