Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has threatened to cut government advertising and publicity on Nation Media Group (NMG) over its recent back-to-back hard-hitting stories that have somewhat left the Kenya Kwanza government with an egg on the face.
Speaking on Sunday during the Akorino Annual Convention held in Embu County, CS Kuria asked NMG to declare its stand on whether it was playing a watchdog role or was part of the opposition.
He also warned government agencies advertising with NMG to stop advertising with the company or they would lose their jobs.
“Nation Media, Muamue kama nyinyi ni gazeti, broadcasting house, media house ama chama cha upinzani. Na mimi nimesema, Kutoka kesho, ata si kutoka kesho. Kutoka leo idara yoyote ya serikali ntaona imeweka advertisement kwa Nation Media, mjihesabu mko nyumbani,” he said.
Unyielding in his criticism, CS Kuria did not confine his remarks to the controversial video alone. He resorted to Twitter to take aim at NMG once again, this time referring to unspecified individuals as “prostitutes” while suggesting that they could continue advertising auctioneers and funeral announcements.
“Kwa wale malaya wa Agha Khan pale Nation Centre. You can still advertise auctioneers and funeral announcements. We will not stop those,” his tweet read.
If the former Gatundu South MP sentiments come true, it might be a huge setback for the media since government advertisements are a substantial source of money for many media outlets.
Prior to Kuria’s confrontation, the NMG aired an exposé alleging that the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture, led by CS Mithika Linturi, misused approximately Ksh6 billion in an oil scandal.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Media Owners Association and Editors Guild are yet to issue a statement over CS Kuria’s remarks.
