In Summary
- CS Moses Kuria picks a fresh fight with the Nation Media Group (NMG).
- He denies granting NMG an interview that was arranged by Jacquie Maribe.
- As late as yesterday Maribe was seen with CS Kuria at an official government function.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Thursday evening, while addressing Jacque Maribe’s controversial appointment, picked a fresh fight with the Nation Media Group (NMG).
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In a post, the Cabinet Secretary denied ever granting NMG an interview confirming Maribe’s appointment after she was acquitted of Monica’s murder case.
The Conflict
While refuting the claims, Kuria challenged the NMG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to produce evidence of such an engagement.
“Contrary to reports by the Nation, I have never been interviewed by the media House nor made any comment nor announcement about Jacque Maribe. I have challenged CEO Stephen Gitagama to provide evidence from one Mwangi Muiruri who wrote the article,” Read CS Moses Kuria’s post.
The CS threatened to escalate the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday morning, March 15.
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He alerted the CEO, one of the top media owners in Kenya, that a screenshot which depicted his response to reports of hiring Maribe, was forged. That screenshot had claimed that it was the Public Service Commission (PSC) who appointed her, not him.
“I have since alerted Mr Gitagama that the said screenshot is a forgery. And I will be at DCI Headquarters at 9.30 am tomorrow to report the Nation Media Group and the reporter of fraud and forgery,” The CS vowed on X.
PSC Chairperson distances from Maribi’s appointment
PSC chairperson Anthony Muchiri clarified that Maribe was not appointed, and if so, due process will have to be followed. Muchiri reiterated that the position would be filled through a competitive recruitment process should a vacancy arise.
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Yesterday, images of Maribe accompanying CS Kuria to an official government function surfaced, adding more fuel to the speculation.
The CS’s row with NMG began as far back as June 18, 2023, when he hurled unprintable insults at the media house on X over its report that claimed that Ksh6 billion in oil funds were abused through botched tenders issued by the Trade and Agriculture ministries. He was previously manning the former.
