NAIROBI, June 25, 2026 (Safi News) — President William Ruto has intensified his public criticism of Standard Media Group Chairman Gideon Moi, accusing him of using the media house to blackmail the government while allegedly failing to pay employees for months.
In a series of strongly worded posts on his X account, the President claimed that persistent negative coverage by the media organization would not influence his administration or derail its development agenda.
“GMoi, your Standard Media’s five days a week extortionist propaganda headlines on me and my administration’s transformative track record will get you nothing and nowhere.
Blackmail to yield to your greed? Never. Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, not you alone. Jaribu eight days a week. Do your worst,” the President wrote.
Ruto later escalated the attack, accusing the former Baringo senator of hiding behind claims of financial difficulties while presiding over salary delays affecting workers at the media house.
“Bro, the billionaire you are; hiding behind debts; forcing many months’ unpaid labour slaving to defend your Standard headlines’ bold extortion gangsterism driven by greed; is heartless to loyal workers, insult to journalism and betrayal to free media that Standard once belonged,” he posted.
The President’s remarks come amid reports of financial challenges at Standard Media Group, including concerns over delayed salaries for employees. Ruto argued that the welfare of journalists and other staff should take precedence over what he described as politically motivated attacks against his administration.
The exchange marks one of the most direct confrontations between the Head of State and Gideon Moi, whose family has historically maintained significant influence in Kenya’s political and media landscape.
Observers say the dispute reflects growing tensions between the Kenya Kwanza administration and sections of the media over coverage of government policies, economic reforms and political developments.
The President maintained that his administration would not be intimidated by critical headlines, insisting that its focus remains on delivering its development agenda and serving all Kenyans.
By the time of publication, Gideon Moi and Standard Media Group had not publicly responded to the President’s latest comments.
The public spat has reignited debate on the relationship between political leaders and the media, with some defending the President’s criticism of labour practices while others raising concerns about the implications of such attacks on press freedom and media independence