John Kamau, the Investigations and Special Projects editor at Daily Nation, on Tuesday, June 20, recalled how Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria begged for a role at the media house before venturing into politics.
Kamau claimed that the CS wanted to become a columnist for the Business Daily - a subsidiary outlet for Nation Media Group (NMG).
Kuria, an economist, was reportedly tasked with expressing his opinions, insights and perspectives, but he opted to venture into politics. Kamau did not disclose the exact year when Kuria approached the media house, nor did he provide any additional details regarding the terms of their agreement.
He, nonetheless, castigated Kuria for attacking the station that would have been his employer.
"When nobody knew Moses Kuria, he came to Nation Centre and begged for a column with Business Daily. We met. He started writing for us on the economy.
"I wanted to prepare a contract for him, but he vanished to Party of National Unity (PNU) politics. Today, he forgets part of the ladder he used. Moses! Behave," the editor stated, claiming, adding that Kuria was burning his bridges.
During the 9 PM news bulletin on June 19, NTV's Smriti Vidyarthi reiterated the media's role in defending public interest and keeping the government in check.
Vidyarthi argued that Kuria, who made headlines with his provocative statements, would have resigned if he was in another civilised country.
"Our concern tonight is not that the CS is raving mad on social media or that he lost his cool at a public event. He can continue doing that if he does not respect his lofty position.
"The media does not operate for his pleasure and its freedom is not his to give," the news anchor reiterated.
Kuria faced additional backlash from various media stakeholders for making derogatory remarks against journalists from the Nation Media Group. These journalists had implicated his ministry in a Ksh6 billion edible oil scandal.
The CS, infamous for his controversial and outspoken nature, cautioned government agencies against advertising with the media house in an effort to scuttle its revenue sources.
Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), urged President William Ruto to denounce the CS's sentiments.
Notably, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also reprimanded the CS, indicating that Kenya was a democratic state and that the Kenya Kwanza administration would respect the role and freedom of the 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,” the DP commented but also criticised Nation Media Group, accusing it of biased coverage.
