President William Ruto has expressed his commitment to upholding media rights, while addressing the ongoing situation involving his Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Moses Kuria, who has been engaging in a relentless campaign against journalists.
Dr. Ruto made these remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of this year’s Safari Rally in Naivasha. In light of the recent exposé by the Nation Media Group on the edible oils scandal, which allegedly resulted in substantial financial losses for the government, Minister Kuria has been particularly vocal in his criticism.
In his statement, President Ruto assured that he would play his part in safeguarding the media from the actions of the erratic minister. He emphasized the importance of defending the media and ensuring their right to express their opinions, even if they include elements of propaganda.
President William Ruto, while emphasizing the importance of defending media rights, also extended some level of support to Moses Kuria, acknowledging that the media should be open to criticism when individuals express their opinions.
“I saw one journalist saying that the President should defend us from Moses Kuria, that’s fine; I will do my bit, but I want to ask them who is going to defend me from rogue media because I go through hell all the time,” posed Ruto.
The recent conflict between Minister Kuria and the Nation Media Group (NMG) escalated with accusations that the media house and its journalists were acting as an opposition party.
Kuria even made a public statement, calling on government agencies to cease advertising with NMG, threatening consequences if they did not comply.
His attacks have been condemned by the Kenya Journalists Union, Kenya Editors Guild, the Civil Society and even Deputy President Rigathi and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
