Mudavadi Distances Gov’t From Moses Kuria’s Utterances

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has disassociated the President William Ruto-led administration from Trade CS Moses Kuria’s criticism of the media.

He emphasized that using foul words is not an option if someone feels wronged; instead, they should criticize and object.

Mudavadi stated that Kenya must have a robust and free media in accordance with the Constitution.

“The government is committed to a free, vibrant and objective media and we are not running away from that. There is a thin line between a public official and someone in their private capacity,” he told NTV on Tuesday.

Read: Gachagua Disagrees with Moses Kuria on Withdrawal of Gov’t Advertising from Nation

“My advice to my colleagues in public space is that, be careful in the statements that you make because they may be personal statements but because of your status in society, they could give the impression that it is public policy, which is not.”

On Monday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also disagreed with Kuria’s sentiments and asserted that the media should be allowed to perform its role.

CS Kuria had on Sunday demanded government agencies refrain from advertising with the Nation Media Group.

Gachagua emphasized, however, that the media should be given room to carry out its mandate but stated that it will be called out when out of line.

Read Also: Journalists Demand Apology from Moses Kuria Over Attack on Nation Media

“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,“ he said.

“We shouldn’t because 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.”

Media players demanded an apology from the CS and asked him to sober up lest he turns into a “national shame”.

The Kenya Editors Guild and the Kenya Union of Journalists both emphasized in separate statements on Monday that the CS’s comments pose a danger to the vital role that the media plays in the country’s democracy.