This archive report was first published on 17 July 2021.
On July 16, 2021, Peter Opondo, the Strategy and Content Editor at Standard Group, was given matching orders in unclear circumstances, marking the end of his five-month tenure at the company.
According to sources, Opondo's troubles began when he joined Standard Group from Mediamax Networks Ltd, where he had previously worked as the Deputy President Dr William Ruto's point man. Ruto had substantial shares in the media company, but was forced out by the main shareholders, who include President Uhuru Kenyatta's family and Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi.
Insiders at Standard Group claim that Ruto's increased airtime on KTN and KTN News, which is owned by Standard Group, rubbed the management the wrong way, given that Ruto is a political rival to Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, who represents the Moi family's interests in the group as main shareholders.
When asked about his departure, Opondo said, "Sometimes we don't always see things the same way and some things are just meant to be." He also noted that he had accepted the decision, despite not agreeing with the conclusion the company had come to.
