Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has weighed in on journalists' performance during the joint media interview with President William Ruto at the State House on Sunday.
He said he was impressed by Citizen TV's Ayub Abdikadir, but added that the journalist was disrespectful to Ruto.
"I liked Ayub Abdikadir questioning. But I thought he was a shade disrespectful to President William Ruto," he said.
Ngunyi said Abdikadir ought to have presented his questions in an intelligible way rather than argumentative.
He opined that the journalist should learn from Spice FM's Eric Latiff, who moderated the Presidential Debate in July 2022, alongside Citizen's Yvonne Okwara.
"You corner a Head of State intelligibly, not argumentatively. Sounded like a high school debater. He should borrow lessons from Eric Latif - measured, factual and respectful," Ngunyi said.
Among the questions posed by Ayub were on the remarks made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua comparing Kenya to a company where the shareholders are served first.
"What's your view is Kenya a shareholding company or as the constitution establishes, a secular state where we are equal before the law?" he asked, to which Ruto said all citizens were equal.
He also questioned the President on the Housing Levy, which has been criticised heavily by Kenyans.
The Levy proposes that all employees chip in 3 per cent of their salaries to the government's affordable housing project.
Following the interview, Kenyans took to Twitter and other social media sites to praise Abdikadir.
Some even compared him to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.
Here are some of the tweets:
Retweet this if you agree that Citizen TV found Ayub Abdikadir, a perfect replacement for The legend Hussein Mohammed who left. pic.twitter.com/TuLQ7LAiKn
— ALLARICK (@allarick3_) May 14, 2023
This here is my protégé.
— 🇰🇪 David Osiany, HSC (@DavidOsiany) May 14, 2023
This here is my younger brother.
This here is my choice of Waihiga’s replacement.
This here is Ayub Abdikadir.
The future of Kenya’s journalism is secure.
Hongera @AyubAbdikadir! pic.twitter.com/LiP6SH6b38
Ayub Abdikadir definitely deserves a standing ovation for his exceptional preparation, in-depth research, and thoughtful questions during his interview with President William Ruto. pic.twitter.com/6111s883nP
— 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐇 (@254_icon) May 14, 2023
Appreciation tweet for Ayub Abdikadir for asking relevant and straight to point questions to President William Ruto.
— Ni Hulius! (@Hulius_) May 14, 2023
No sugarcoating!! pic.twitter.com/UhnqGDOHEz