Another Raila Ally Hits Out At Standard Newspaper Over ‘Hot Air Language’
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch chastised The Standard Newspaper on Tuesday, March 18, for its recent behavior, which has ruffled feathers in official circles, calling it “unprofessional”.
Oketch, a strong Raila supporter, accused the Gideon Moi-owned daily of writing headlines that were judged excessively critical of President William Ruto’s administration.
Some politicians have referred to it as sensational or tabloid news.
Oketch argued in a statement that the publication’s language was imbalanced, affecting The Standard’s objectivity.
Honestly, the Standard has been very unprofessional
— Sen. Eddy Gicheru Oketch (@oketchgicheru) March 18, 2025
In the last few months. Their headlines lack public accountability. They have a lot of “wild goose chase and hot air” language that makes them the most unblanced newspaper. They are not keen on journalistic discourse, but openly…
“Honestly, the Standard has been very unprofessional in the last few months. Their headlines lack public accountability,” Oketch stated.
“They have a lot of ‘wild goose chase and hot air’ language that makes them the most unbalanced newspaper,” he added.
The senator’s remarks came amid a tug-of-war between the government and the Standard Group, which recently resulted in the Ministry of ICT canceling all advertising efforts with the Standard Group on administrative advice.
In a letter, Principal Secretary Edward Kisiang’ani removed the media house from a previously approved list of media outlets chosen for an irrigation campaign.
The letter, dated March 14, overturned a decision taken on March 10 concerning the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) campaign.
The Standard Newspaper has faced backlash in recent weeks for publishing controversial headlines on prominent government figures, including President William Ruto.
On March 2, one such headline titled “Cunning Ruto” elicited a response from the President.
On the same day, when speaking at Jesus Winner Ministry, he responded to the media by refuting the allegations.
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Other leaders who have faced a similar fate include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who were referred to as “Mere Flower Girls” in the March 9 issue.
The trend continued in the March 18 issue, with Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga receiving another stinging headline—”Fooling Kenyans”—on the main page.
Media stakeholders, including the Media Council of Kenya, recently highlighted a notice warning Standard and Nation about dramatic headlines as phony.
However, the MCK maintained that media outlets still had a responsibility to uphold professional standards.
Another Raila Ally Hits Out At Standard Newspaper Over ‘Hot Air Language’
