Nation Media Group Journalist Larry Madowo has weighed in on the sacking of Special Projects Editor Denis Galava after writing a contentious Editorial criticizing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his government.
Madowo who was at the frontline to bash the company after Galava's suspension, critised his employer for the move stating that: "What a shame! Worst decision I've seen in all my time at NMG".
Galava who appeared before the company's disciplinary committee on Monday was handed the dismissal letter on Wednesday afternoon.
The letter stated that Galava was in breach of the procedures laid down by the company concerning the publication of such editorials. He was also accused of gross misconduct and lack of consultation before publication.
According to a report by Capital FM, Galava dismissed the allegations by the media firm stating that there were no established procedures set for writing Editorials in the company citing that: “I have written more than 300 Editorials for the Nation, in none of them was I asked to consult anyone; this is a case of political and business expediency.”
Galava's suspension by Nation sparked an uproar among Kenyans, with many criticizing the Media House for not being independent and bowing to Government's pressures, as the publication in question touched on critical issues concerning the State.
Read Also: Kenyans React on Nation Media Journalist Suspension
Two former Nation editors Charles Onyango Obbo and Macharia Gaitho also condemned his suspension, with the latter saying,"Never in the history of the Nation has an individual responsible for a leader been publicly outed. As it is, action taken against an individual has doubly exposed Nation Media Group."
In a quick rejoinder, the company through its Editor-in-Chief, Tom Mshindi, dismissed the claims by the public indicating that: "The lack of consultation and review of the editorial on the material day, where one writer takes a strong position on such an important issue single-handedly without broad discussion and consultation, is a significant departure from established procedure".
Read Also: Nation Media Journalist Suspended After Criticising Uhuru
The article titled; 'Mr President, get your act together this year' directly talked to the president asking him to get the country and his government in shape.
