Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, on Monday, June 19, disowned threats issued by Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS), Moses Kuria, who pledged to clamp down on Nation Media Group.
Gachagua, while speaking during the Kenya Water and Sanitation International Conference and Exhibition in Mombasa, argued that the current regime was not dictatorial as perceived.
He emphasised that the media should enjoy its freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution. Kuria was thus castigated for advocating for the government to withdraw its advertising contracts with Nation Media.
“I do not agree with his suggestion that we stop advertising with you. We should not because we are a democracy, and we should be able to allow you to continue doing your job. Ours is to call you out,” Gachagua remarked, adding that Kuria went overboard.
Gachagua, nonetheless, escalated his onslaught on Nation Media Group and defended CS Kuria from critics.
“I agree with Moses Kuria that you have become rogue and are part of the Azimio brigade trying to bring down the government,” the DP stated.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also watered down Kuria's remarks, warning that the CS was at fault for threatening and attempting to influence procurement and awarding of tenders.
EACC added that it had the constitutional mandate to advise state officers on the pronouncement of goods and services.
“The Constitution in Article 227 requires that public procurement be carried out in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective system.
“Consequently, no person or organization can, lawfully, be denied an opportunity to participate in any public procurement except as may be authorised under the law,” EACC noted in a strong-worded statement.
The investigative agency also spoke against public officials being victimised for legally engaging other organisations.
"EACC, therefore, advises all state and public officers to strictly adhere to the laws governing the management of public affairs, including the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012," it cautioned.
