Written by Lisa Murimi
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has sounded an alarm over what he perceives as a growing trend of media outlets spreading misinformation, warning Kenyans to be vigilant about the content they consume.
In a powerful statement shared on his X account on Thursday, Sing’Oei denounced media houses he believes are more focused on political propaganda than the pursuit of truth.
His strongest condemnation was directed at The Standard newspaper, specifically over its provocative headline in Thursday’s edition: “Lies Getting Bigger”, which criticized President William Ruto’s administration.
Sing’Oei argued that when the media shifts from objective reporting to deliberate distortion, it undermines public trust and threatens the very fabric of democracy.
“Media that once sought truth now serve political agendas, feeding the public with divisive lies,” Sing’Oei wrote.
“It’s time for Kenyans to think critically and question the motives behind what they are being fed.”
Sing’Oei’s remarks came in response to lawyer Ekuru Aukot’s praise of the newspaper’s headline, which targeted Ruto for allegedly claiming he would meet a man who died in 2017.
The sensational claim by The Standard came at a time of political tension, and Aukot’s suggestion to translate the headline into vernacular languages only added fuel to the fire.
This is not the first time The Standard has sparked controversy, with leaders like Raila Odinga also accusing it of spreading defamatory content.
As the media landscape grows increasingly polarized, Sing’Oei’s call for truth and integrity stands as a sobering reminder:
“The Kenyan public deserves better than this. We must seek the truth, not the noise.”
