NAIROBI, Kenya- The Standard Group has hit back at President William Ruto after he accused the media house of running what he described as an “extortionist propaganda” campaign against his administration, insisting its journalism is guided by facts, public interest and professional ethics.
The dispute erupted after President Ruto took to social media to criticise The Standard and its proprietor, former KANU chairman Gideon Moi, claiming the newspaper’s persistent negative coverage of his administration amounted to blackmail.
“Gideon Moi, your Standard Media’s five days a week extortionist propaganda headlines on me and my administration’s transformative track record will get you nothing and nowhere. Blackmail to yield to your greed? Never. Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, not you alone. Try eight days a week. Do your worst,” Ruto posted.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, The Standard Group said it was compelled to respond because the President had directly singled out the media house.
“We take great exception to the President’s characterisation of our journalism,” the company said, adding that the President’s remarks attacked “the very foundation of our journalism” using language that falls below the standard expected from the country’s highest office.
The media house defended its editorial independence, saying it would continue to publish stories in the public interest regardless of whether they were favourable to those in power.
“The Standard stands for bold, responsible and accountable journalism. We tell the facts as they are, even when they are uncomfortable for those in positions of authority,” the statement said.
Responding to Ruto’s assertion that Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, the media house said the President, as the country’s leader, must expect scrutiny of his administration.
“He is the country’s leader and when he fails, Kenya fails. But The Standard will not cheer on any such failure; we will instead point it out,” the company said.
The Standard also rejected suggestions that it was advancing partisan interests.
“The Standard is not a propaganda outlet. Our journalism is guided by facts, public interest and professional ethics,” it said.
The company further referenced previous remarks by President Ruto in support of media freedom, saying it was merely holding him to his own commitment that the press should remain free to criticise those in authority.
In addition, The Standard alleged that the government owes the company approximately KSh1.2 billion in outstanding payments, saying the arrears have affected its operations.
