Ruto Hits Out at Standard Media Over ‘Extortionist Propaganda’ Claims in Escalating Media Row
President William Ruto has launched a blistering attack on Standard Media Group, accusing the media house of orchestrating what he described as an “extortionist propaganda” campaign aimed at undermining his administration.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his official social media accounts on Wednesday, June 24, the Head of State directly addressed KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, whose family has long been associated with the ownership of the Mombasa Road-based media company.
Ruto claimed that persistent negative coverage by the media house would neither influence government policy nor pressure him into making decisions that benefit private interests.
“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,” the President stated.
The remarks represent one of the strongest public criticisms directed at a mainstream media organisation by President Ruto since he assumed office in September 2022.
The latest confrontation comes amid growing tensions between the government and sections of the media over scrutiny of public spending, taxation policies, governance concerns, and the implementation of key campaign promises.
In recent months, The Standard newspaper has published a series of front-page stories examining government expenditure, corruption allegations involving state officials, and the administration’s performance against promises made during the 2022 election campaign.
The publication has also frequently highlighted the President’s foreign travel schedule, expenditure within the Executive, and spending by both the Office of the President and the Office of the Deputy President.
Adding to the pressure, KTN News, which operates under Standard Media Group, has in recent days aired a special feature titled “The Gallery of Ruto’s Lies.” The programme examines a number of government pledges that critics argue remain unfulfilled, including stalled infrastructure projects and delayed development initiatives.
Supporters of the government have defended the President’s record, arguing that his administration has made significant progress in economic reforms, affordable housing, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and efforts to expand opportunities for young people.
However, critics maintain that Kenyans continue to face a high cost of living, increased taxation, and delayed implementation of key development projects promised by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The public exchange is expected to reignite debate over the relationship between the government and the media, with press freedom advocates likely to closely monitor developments following the President’s remarks.
Neither Gideon Moi nor Standard Media Group had publicly responded to the President’s comments at the time of publication.
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