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Ruto Hits Gideon Moi and Standard Media in Fresh Attack on Press Coverage
President William Ruto has launched a fresh attack on Standard Media Group, accusing the media house of running what he described as "extortionist propaganda" against his administration. In a strongly worded post on his official social media account, the President directly addressed Standard Group Chairman and Publisher Gideon Moi, claiming that negative headlines targeting his government were motivated by ulterior motives rather than journalism. > "Gideon Moi, your Standard Media's 5 days a week extortionist propaganda headlines on me and my administration's transformative track record will get you nothing and nowhere," Pres Ruto wrote. The President further accused the media house of attempting to use negative coverage to pressure his administration, saying: "Blackmail to yield to your greed? Never." Ruto insisted that Kenya belongs to all citizens and not a select group of individuals, before daring the media house to intensify its criticism. > "Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, not you alone. Jaribu 8 days a week. Do your worst," he added. ## Renewed Tensions  The latest remarks add to a growing public feud between President Ruto's administration and sections of the media. Since assuming office, Ruto has repeatedly accused some media organizations of unfair reporting, political bias, and advancing the interests of individuals linked to previous administrations. Standard Media, on the other hand, has maintained its role as an independent news organization reporting on government policies, public spending, corruption allegations, taxation, and political developments. The President's comments come at a time when media coverage has increasingly focused on contentious issues including the Finance Bill, the cost of living, public debt, compensation for protest victims, and growing political tensions ahead of the June 25 anniversary commemorations. ## Press Freedom Concerns Ruto's latest criticism is likely to reignite debate over the relationship between government and the media. Supporters of the President argue that media organizations should also be subjected to public scrutiny and accountability, particularly where reporting is perceived as politically motivated. Critics, however, warn that direct attacks on media houses by senior government officials risk creating a hostile environment for press freedom and independent journalism. Media rights advocates have consistently maintained that robust scrutiny of those in power is a fundamental function of a free press in a democratic society. ## Political Undertones The President's decision to directly reference Gideon Moi is also politically significant. Moi, the son of former President Daniel arap Moi, has remained an influential figure in Kenyan politics and business through his leadership of Standard Group. Relations between Ruto and political figures associated with previous administrations have often been strained, with the President repeatedly portraying his government as being opposed by entrenched interests resistant to political and economic reforms. The latest exchange is therefore likely to be viewed not merely as a dispute over media coverage but as part of a broader political contest over public perception, influence, and control of the national narrative. For now, Standard Media had not publicly responded to the President's remarks. But the comments ensure that the ongoing battle between State House and one of Kenya's largest media houses remains far from over.
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