The media fraternity has continued to go hammer and tongs on Trade CS Moses Kuria in their condemnation of his attack on Nation Media Group using foul language.
In his expression of discontentment with a story carried by the media firm, the CS used unprintable words and threatened state officials with dismissal should they place adverts with the media outlet.
His words on Sunday, June 18 captured both on video and in text sparked outrage from stakeholders in the media industry with Media Owners Association calling on President William Ruto to rein in on members of his administration whose conduct is unbecoming.
The Media Council of Kenya and the Editors Guild also condemned the utterances saying they bordered on commercial censorship and infringement on media freedom.
The Crime Journalists' Association of Kenya (CJAK) also added their voice and called out the CS for what they termed as his disregard for the rule of law and simple decorum.
In a statement signed by secretary general Akello Odenyo, CJAK said that Kuria is killing the very spirit that the government proclaims to instill.
"The role of the media is promoting national cohesion, equality, social capital etc. The media is the soul of the people, yours is a simple role. If empowering the media is not in your agenda, keep off their lane," Odenyo said.
The CJAK reminded the Trade CS that as a leader, nothing short of integrity, respect and self-awareness will be demanded of him.
"That is the stuff leaders should be made of," Odenyo stated.
The genesis of Kuria's outrageous remarks emanated from an expose that NTV ran alleging involvement of Cabinet secretaries in scheming the drop in edible oil prices that eventually cost taxpayers about Sh5.6 billion.
On Monday, the government distanced itself from Kuria's remarks with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua saying the media will be allowed to continue doing its job.
"I don't agree with Moses Kuria's suggestions that we should stop advertising with some Media Houses. But that will not stop us from calling you out. When you go overboard, we must tell you on the face that is the strategy," Gachagua said.