Kuria Blames Nandi Senator Cherargei and Officials for Silence Amid Media Assault
On Friday, June 23, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria explained why he felt compelled to defend President William Ruto’s administration against the media.
Kuria, speaking in Iten after launching development projects with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, blamed Senator Samson Cherargei of Nandi and other government fanatics for remaining silent during the media assault.
Kuria cautioned the senators against abdicating their responsibility and allowing the media and opposition to determine the agenda.
He emphasized that as CSs, they were prohibited from engaging in politics, but due to the constant media attention and opposition attacks, they were compelled to take a stand.
“When we accepted these positions as CSs, we did not intend to engage in politics. I wish to inform Cherargei that he is the source of this issue. We told him to speak, and it appears he has failed to do so; we cannot allow the government to fail, he stated.
Kuria used the analogy of a football team and added that, in dire circumstances, the coach may be forced to play certain players and bench others.
“The media should have targeted Cooperatives CS Simon Chelugui or one of the other 22 CSs who may not have retaliated, but instead they targeted me. If you come after President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, or myself, I will deal with you,” he continued.
Kuria urged Kenyans to give the government time to keep its promises, stating that Ruto’s agenda was beginning to take shape after nine months in office.
In addition, Kuria questioned the court’s decision to prevent him from making derogatory media comments.
ALSO READ: Moses Kuria Files Lawsuit Against Media for Defamation
“You gag me as you continue to disparage and malign me. Extremely unfair, complained Kuria.
Kuria petitioned the High Court on Friday, June 23, to prevent media outlets from publishing and broadcasting false, malicious reports about him.
At the same event, DP Gachagua intensified his attacks against the media. In addition to other constitutionally mandated authorities, Gachagua urged politicians to hold the media accountable.
“The time has come to tell the media the truth. When they supported Azimio La Umoja (the opposition), they would always tell us the truth. Now we will counter their lies with the truth,” Gachagua said.
“The media should leave Moses Kuria alone; if they wish to attack anyone, they should target me instead.” No one complained when you were attacking us, but now the tables have turned. You were the one who disseminated bogus polls claiming that Ruto and I will never win. They do not wish to publish anything positive about us, Gachagua asserts.
The Kenya Union of Journalists and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned Kuria and Gachagua and urged President Ruto to rein in his subordinates.
Ruto defended Kuria and Gachagua in response, urging them to continue defending themselves against what he argued were false media reports.
Nonetheless, he advocated for the need to respect the constitutionally protected freedom of the press.
Kuria Blames Nandi Senator Cherargei and Officials for Silence Amid Media Assault
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