New Standard Group CEO Dr Naim Bilal Yaseen has broken his silence on the escalating feud between the media house and President William Ruto, assuring the government of fair coverage while urging it to engage the press fairly and justly.
Speaking during his official handover ceremony at the media company’s Nairobi headquarters, Dr Yaseen sought to reassure the government and stakeholders as he takes over leadership of one of Kenya’s largest media organisations amid heightened tensions between State House and the media house.
“I’d like to assure the government that we shall report on government fairly. And we encourage the government to engage with us fairly and justly,” Naim Yaseen said.
Standard Group – Ruto Feud
His comments come months after President Ruto launched a series of attacks against Standard Group, accusing it of running what he termed an “extortionist propaganda” campaign against his administration.
The feud has evolved into one of the most intense confrontations between a sitting Kenyan president and a mainstream media house in recent years.
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The dispute has largely revolved around the media house’s aggressive coverage of government policies, spending, taxation, governance issues and unfulfilled campaign promises.
KTN News, owned by Standard Group, further escalated the standoff with its “Gallery of Ruto’s Lies” series, which examined promises critics argue have not been fulfilled.
At the height of the row, President Ruto directly accused the media group and its ownership of pursuing private interests under the guise of journalism.
He also challenged the publication’s continued criticism of his administration and dismissed attempts to pressure the government through negative headlines.
The conflict has been further complicated by the long-standing political rivalry between President Ruto and Gideon Moi, whose family has historically been associated with ownership and influence at Standard Group.
“Gideon Moi, your Standard Media’s five days a week extortionist propaganda headlines on me and my administration’s transformative track record will get you nothing and nowhere. Blackmail to yield to your greed? Never. Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, not you alone. Try eight days a week. Do your worst,” Ruto said on June 24, 2026.
The president has repeatedly referenced Gideon Moi while responding to criticism from the media house, leading Kenyans to view the dispute as both a media and political battle.
Leadership Change Amid Major Media Storm
Dr Yaseen takes over from Chaacha Mwita, who had become one of the main public defenders of the media house during the confrontation with State House. Under Mwita’s leadership, Standard Group strongly rejected accusations of propaganda and insisted that holding government accountable remained a constitutional duty of the press.
The media company also pushed back against the president’s claims, arguing that government criticism should not be confused with hostility.
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It maintained that its journalism is guided by facts and public interest rather than political motives.
One of the most contentious aspects of the dispute involved Standard Group’s claim that the government owed it about Ksh1.2 billion in unpaid advertising and related bills.
The claim intensified debate over whether financial pressure was being used against media organisations critical of government policies.
Despite inheriting the dispute, Dr Yaseen’s initial remarks focused on rebuilding relationships while maintaining editorial independence.
In addition to addressing government relations, the new CEO also reached out to advertisers.
“To our advertisers, I want to assure you that you have a partner,” he stated.
He also stressed the importance of employees in rebuilding the organisation.
“People are the greatest assets and people are the greatest investments. Good businesses are led and driven by great people,” he said.
Enos Seth, from the Commercial Department, said the company already has the talent needed to succeed under the new CEO.
Brian Tsuma, a producer, also expressed hope for better days for the media group under Naim.
“Karibu sana, you are getting or you are inheriting a team that have Standard Group at heart.”
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