PS joins Kuria in media onslaught, threatens to stop advertisements

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Crop Development, Harsama Kello has joined Investments, Trade and Industry CS Moses Kuria in his attacks against the media.

Harsama who was reacting to a report by Nation about farmers rejecting the subsidized fertilizer by the state accused the media house of propaganda. 

He went on to say that in protest, his ministry will stop advertising with the Nation Media Group until the time he will be convinced the "war is over".

The PS insisted that the media house will have to choose between playing politics or doing business.

"I want to officially say in protest of deliberate propaganda and misinformation, that my state department will also not advertise in the nation until am convinced that the war is over. They will have to choose politics or business," Harsama said.

His remarks come in the wake of attacks on Nation Media Group by CS Kuria.

The attacks began on Sunday when during a church gathering Kuria said he would sack any government official who advertises with the media house.

He accused the media house of propelling negative stories about the government.

Kuria's outburst followed an expose by NTV, a station under the group where it alleged that Cabinet Secretaries were responsible for the drop in the price of edible oils.

The move allegedly made the taxpayer lose about Sh5.6 billion.

Various leaders have called out Kuria for his unwarranted attacks on the media.

Media owners and journalists unions told off Kuria over his remarks and also called on President William Ruto to act appropriately.

A section of social media users and the opposition have also called for Kuria's resignation from the Cabinet.