Former Trade Secretary Moses Kuria’s Desperate Plea for Media Role Before Political Career, Recalled by Daily Nation Editor
John Kamau, the editor of Investigations and Special Projects at Daily Nation, recalled on Tuesday, June 20, how Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria begged for a position at the news organization before entering politics.
Kamau asserted that the CS desired to become a columnist for the Business Daily, a Nation Media Group (NMG) subsidiary publication.
According to reports, economist Kuria was tasked with expressing his opinions, insights, and perspectives, but he chose to enter politics. Kamau did not disclose the exact year in which Kuria approached the media company, nor did he elaborate on the terms of their contract.
Nevertheless, he criticized Kuria for attacking the station that would have been his future employer.
“When Moses Kuria was unknown, he approached Nation Centre and begged for a column with Business Daily. We met. He began writing about the economy for us.
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“I intended to draft him a contract, but he disappeared into Party of National Unity (PNU) politics. He forgets a portion of the ladder he used today. Moses! Behave,” the editor demanded, adding that Kuria was destroying his relationships.
On June 19, during the 9 p.m. newscast on NTV, Smriti Vidyarthi reiterated the role of the media in protecting the public interest and keeping the government in check.
Vidyarthi argued that Kuria, whose provocative statements made headlines, would have resigned in a more civilized nation.
“Our concern tonight is not that the CS has lost his temper on social media or at a public event. If he does not respect his eminent position, he may continue doing so.
The news anchor reiterated, “The media does not operate for his pleasure, and its independence is not his to grant.”
Kuria faced additional backlash from various media stakeholders for making derogatory remarks about Nation Media Group journalists. These journalists implicated his ministry in a Ksh6 billion scandal involving edible oil.
To undermine the media house’s revenue streams, the controversial and outspoken CS warned government agencies against advertising with the media house.
Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and Media Council of Kenya (MCK) urged President William Ruto to condemn the CS’s remarks.
Notably, Vice President Rigathi Gachagua also reprimanded the CS, stating that Kenya is a democratic nation and that the Kenya Kwanza administration will respect the role and freedom of the media.
“I disagree with his recommendation that we discontinue advertising with you. We should allow you to continue doing your job because we are a democracy. Ours is to call you out,” the DP stated, while also criticizing Nation Media Group for its allegedly biased coverage.
Former Trade Secretary Moses Kuria’s Desperate Plea for Media Role Before Political Career, Recalled by Daily Nation Editor
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