Editor's Review

"You are making very grave allegations and the rules that apply in this house is that you be able to substantiate."

Speaker of the Senate Assembly Amason Kingi had to contain Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretaries for making remarks that could not be substantiated. 

Appearing for a question and answer session at the Senate Assembly, Kuria yet again continued with his path of attacking the media further claiming it is working with oil cartels.

He said a group of five companies that have been controlling the edible oil market were partnering with the media to block any reforms that would save the ordinary citizens.

"The reason there is an outcry in the media is that there is noise sponsored by companies that have continued to enjoy a monopoly. They are using profits they have made historically to fight our efforts to bring down the cost of living. If any other company wants to import the same product it is slapped with a 35 percent import duty whereas these people pay nothing," he said.

He added:

"The direct nexus between the answer I've given and the question by Senator Kinyua is that the media is working for these cartels who want to lockout everybody and keep prices high and will do anything possible."

Trade and Investment CS Moses Kuria at the Senate Assembly on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Kuria, however, was responding to a question posed by Laikipia Senator Nderitu Kinyua who sought to know the reasons for his outbursts against the media.

The remarks prompted the Speaker to stop him saying he had to prove the allegations he makes before the floor of the house.

"You are making very grave allegations. The rule that applies in this house is that you be able to substantiate any allegation you make in this house. One of the allegations you are making is that there are five companies run like a cartel and that they are sponsoring headlines," Kingi said.

"Honourable CS, if you cannot prove them kindly drop them. You can go ahead and give us a factual basis."

Kuria was among the CSs lined up by the Senate Assembly for a question and answer session on Wednesday, June 21.