Written by Joyce Nzomo
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed has dismissed a Citizen TV report suggesting that government empowerment projects in Nairobi had resulted in “unfulfilled promises,” terming the claims misleading and a distortion of facts.
According to Hussein, a total of 1,100 registered groups from Nairobi submitted their proposals for empowerment programmes and projects. Every single proposal was approved, funded, and delivered in an orderly process.
Each group comprised 10 members, including a chairperson meaning 11,000 beneficiaries in total received funds and successfully implemented their projects.
“It is unfortunate that instead of presenting the facts, Citizen TV chose to interview just two individuals and used their opinions to cast doubt on a programme that has already reached thousands,” Hussein said.
He faulted the broadcaster for failing to verify the claims with State House or the relevant government offices before airing the report.
“Their formula seems to be 2 voices outweigh 11,000 beneficiaries. That is not journalism; that is misrepresentation,” he added.
Hussein further noted that the projects were carried out transparently, with each chairperson ensuring funds were delivered and used for their intended purposes.
While condemning what he termed as “a deliberate attempt to twist facts,” the State House spokesperson said the positive side of the controversy was that 11,000 Nairobi residents can now see firsthand how easily the truth can be distorted when media platforms fail to fact-check.
“These beneficiaries know the reality. They know what they received. They know their projects are running. What this unfortunate report has done is to expose the lengths to which some in the media will go to create a negative narrative,” Hussein concluded.
