Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the media should be allowed to do its job.
Gachagua called out Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria for attacking the Nation Media Group (NMG), saying the press should be allowed freedom to work.
The CS had called for the cutting of all government advertising from the media house describing it as ‘rogue’ claiming NMG is on the opposition.
However, the Deputy President despite calling out the CS also noted that the media outlet had become rogue and is working with the opposition to bring down the government.
“I want to assure you, the Nation newspaper, whereas I agree with Moses Kuria that you have become rogue, and you are part of the Azimio brigade trying to bring down the government I don’t agree with what he has suggested that we stop advertising with you, “DP Gachagua said.
“We are a democracy, and we should be able to allow you to continue doing your job. Ours is to call you out. When you go overboard, we must tell you on the face.” He added.
Moreover, in a public statement on Sunday, June 18, Kuria implied that NMG was only appropriate for advertisements on auctions and funeral announcements. He further threatened to sack any state official who placed ads with the media outlet.
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“I want to tell Nation Media, you need to choose whether you are a newspaper, broadcasting house or an opposition party. From today, not even tomorrow, if any government department advertises with Nation Media, know you are on your way home,” he stated.
CS Kuria’s outburst came after NMG did an expose’ over the weekend detailing an alleged oil scandal under his ministry.
Nonetheless, several players in the media sector associations condemned Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s attack on the National Media Group as disgraceful.
Likewise, in separate statements issued on Monday, June 19 after CS Kuria called journalists “prostitutes”, the Media Owners Association (MOA), Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) and Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) termed the minister’s remarks as a threat to free press.
Furthermore, the Media Council CEO David Omwoyo defended the media’s watchdog role in holding the state and those in power to account.
“The Council notes that this is the most extreme, since independence that individuals have pushed media and government relations to the brink and lowered the country’s dignity,” Omwoyo noted.
He further added that Moses Kuria’s conduct falls below the constitutional threshold of leadership and integrity for state officers.
Nevertheless, KEG demanded an unequivocal apology from the CS and reassurances from the Kenya Kwanza administration that Kuria’s opinions do not reflect official government policy.
