Kenya Union of Journalists and Kenya Editors Guild have denounced Trade CS Moses Kuria’s remarks that appear to be directed at Nation Media Group.
The attack came in response to a report by the group’s NTV station, which claimed that cabinet secretaries had manipulated the price of edible oils, costing the public roughly Sh5.6 billion.
The CS has turned into a representation of national disgrace, according to a statement made on Monday by the secretary general of the KUJ, Erick Oduor.
“His reactions to media reports regarding one of the many scandals that have hit Kenya Kwanza administration within a span of 10 months are an embarrassment to Kenyans,” Oduor said.
Adding:
“I can assure Mr Kuria that the media will outlive his political career and we will be waiting in glee to write his political obituary.”
Dear @HonMoses_Kuria, "Sober up, you are becoming a national shame". pic.twitter.com/enfAcJ7xcg
— KUJ Kenya (@KUJ_Kenya) June 19, 2023
KEG President Zubeida Kananu called on the CS to issue an apology following his unfortunate remarks.
“Kenya Editors’ Guild expects an unconditional apology from CS Kuria following these unfortunate remarks. Editors, journalists and all media practitioners expect assurance from the Kenya Kwanza administration that the sentiments expressed by CS Kuria do not represent the policy of the government, and the media enterprises will be accorded their space to execute their mandate,” Kananu said.
She said that the media plays a very important role in democracy, including holding power to account and therefore, the media does not operate above the law.
She added that if a State Officer or any Kenyan for that matter, is aggrieved by the work of the media, they have an array of avenues to raise them, including pursuing the legal route or reaching out to the media entity concerned.
“We do not know the context in which such unwarranted, uncalled for and totally off-the-mark remarks were made given that the CS did not expound further,” Kananu said.
“It is however safe to conclude that the CS is unhappy with the work of Nation Media Group in informing or educating Kenyans.”
