David Ndii Calls Out NMG after His Column Was Axed

National Super Alliance (NASA) Chief strategist David Ndii on Wednesday called out Nation Media Group (NMG) after his weekly column was discontinued in February.

Through his social media, Dr Ndii released screenshots of email communication with Saturday Nation editor Ng'ang'a Mbugua where he sought to get formal communication of his contract being terminated.

"It's taken writing to the NMG Chairman to be told they’ve axed my column— and even then they don’t have the guts to say it straight," he tweeted on Wednesday.

In the emails seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the vocal NASA official explained that efforts to get answers from the editors were futile as his emails and text messages went unanswered.

"I believe you are aware of media reports to the effect that the NMG has terminated my contract as a columnist. I have taken the step of writing to you because I have completely failed to get any communication from the staff concerned on this matter.

[caption caption="David Ndii"][/caption]

"The Saturday Nation editor promised to email me a copy of the new contract over a month ago. He not only failed to do so but has not responded to me emails or text messages," he wrote.

Highlighting his relationship with the media house spanning for more than 20 years, Dr Ndii stated: "While the NMG is at liberty to end this relationship I think that it behoves a responsible corporate citizen of NMG's stature to do this formally and courteously."

In response to the email, Mr Mbugua explained that Ndii's contract was terminated as the newspaper was in a process of reviewing their op-ed pages to evaluate their relevance.

"I write to advise that we are reviewing the op-ed pages of our platforms with a view to enhancing their relevance and utility value. This is part of quality control activities we undertake routinely.

"As part of this, the Saturday Nation will be temporarily suspending the publication of your column. We hope that we will be able to reinstate it at the end of the exercise," read part of the email.

Ndii, who is also the Opposition's political and economic strategist, had been penning the weekly column every Saturday for the past four years.

Earlier in February, journalist Larry Madowo announced via Twitter that he had terminated his contract with the same newspaper.

His announcement came after the daily failed to publish his article titled: Kenya is sliding into a dictatorship, which was later published on the CNN website.

[caption caption="Larry Madowo"][/caption]