Editor's Review

“I am not apologizing. I have been a media owner before."

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria now says he will not apologize to the Nation Media Group (NMG) after he attacked the organization.

Speaking on Wednesday, June 21, CS Kuria stated that he is pro-media and has owned a media house before.

“I am not apologizing. I have been a media owner before, I have been a writer in your newspapers, there is nobody who is pro-media more than me,” Kuria stated.

The former Gatundu South MP while speaking on Sunday at the Akorino Annual Convention in Embu virulently attacked NMG and fired a warning to government agencies saying whoever will advertise with the media house will be shown the door.

"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.

File image of Trade CS Moses Kuria.

The Nation Media Group on Monday demanded an apology from CS Kuria over his remarks on the company.

“We at NMG wish to reaffirm our commitment to relentlessly uphold media freedoms and fiercely guard our role as the public watchdog. We demand an immediate apology and a retraction from CS Kuria,” NMG said in a statement.

Media stakeholders also called out the Trade CS and asked him to issue an unconditional apology for his sentiments.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also differed with CS Kuria on denying NMG government advertising saying the Kenya Kwanza administration is a democracy.