This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
On December 2, 2019, a disturbing trend emerged in Nairobi's journalism scene. A group of journalists, allegedly backed by cartels, were exposed for receiving hefty payola to publish stories that taint Governor Mike Sonko's reputation.
According to sources, the journalists, who were promised a good package for their services, are now at the center of a scandal. They were reportedly promised a sum of money to publish stories that would damage Sonko's reputation, but the money was never paid.
One of the journalists, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that a senior EACC official and former Nairobi assembly speaker Abdi Guyo were involved in the scandal. The journalist claimed that the two had promised them a good package, but failed to deliver.
As a result, the journalists are now trying to cook up other malicious stories to publish in the same dailies. The scandal has also led to the ousting of Guyo from his position as speaker of the Nairobi assembly.
Meanwhile, a senior editor with Daily Nation has been accused of being bankrolled by the same cartel to complete the construction of his palatial house. The editor is also said to be in a private affair with the female managing editor, who is known for smoking weed.
