On Friday, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy formally reported the People Daily newspaper to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) following the publication of a provocative front-page story titled “How Ruto lies killed Nithi 12.”
This headline was linked to a tragic road accident at Nithi Bridge, which claimed the lives of 12 individuals on September 1.
The bridge, known as a blackspot, had previously been promised repairs by President William Ruto during campaign rallies, but these pledges have yet to materialize.
In response to the government’s complaint, Mediamax, the publisher of People Daily, defended its journalistic practices.
They argued that the report’s intent was to hold the government accountable and provide critical coverage of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
CEO Ken Ngaruiya emphasized that the government’s actions reflect an attempt to intimidate journalists and stifle media freedom.
The complaint lodged by Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Edward Kisiangani calls for the MCK to intervene and impose restrictions on the publication and its journalists to prevent similar stories from being published in the future.
Kisiangani’s letter chastised the article as contemptuous and urged for administrative action against the media house.
As tensions rise between the government and the press, the action here raises crucial questions about media freedom and the role of journalism in promoting accountability in governance.
At the beginning of its tenure, President Ruto’s government moved to cut spending on newspaper advertisements, citing a shift to digital channels.
The multi-billion action drove a wedge between journalists and the state, thereby resulting in fierce attacks by either side.
