The Head of Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, has launched yet another attack on the Standard Media Group, accusing it of abandoning journalism in favor of political activism.
Through a statement on his official X account on Sunday, August 31, Itumbi faulted the newspaper’s editorial direction, arguing that it has positioned itself as a political player rather than an independent media outlet.
“Dear StandardKenya, please open a newsroom and convert it into a political party, then publish your manifesto. You should tell us which editor is eyeing the presidency. Your daily fake commentary disguised as news is a total shame to journalism,” Itumbi wrote.
The remarks were triggered by the Standard’s front-page headline, “Unmoved by Outcry,” which profiled Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, and Energy CS Davis Chirchir. The trio has faced public criticism over scandals and challenges within their ministries.
According to the newspaper, the three have survived scandals ranging from alleged mismanagement of billions, questionable oil imports, to insecurity and rising road accidents. The publication claimed their continued survival in government was not due to performance but loyalty to President William Ruto.
Health CS Aden Duale dismissed the coverage as a smear campaign, claiming that cartels opposed to reforms in the health sector were behind the negative publicity. Speaking in Narok on Saturday, August 30, Duale vowed to push through reforms despite resistance.
“We will not gamble with the health of Kenyans. As the President has said, healthcare must be accessible and equitable. We will follow the footsteps of leaders like the late John Michuki, who stood firm despite opposition,” Duale stated.
In recent months, Duale has been linked to fraud allegations at the Social Health Authority (SHA). Murkomen has faced criticism over growing insecurity in parts of the country, while Chirchir has been under fire for failing to address the surge in fatal road accidents.
Despite the controversies, the Standard claimed the three remain “untouchable” within Ruto’s administration, protected by political loyalty rather than performance.
Itumbi, a longtime digital strategist and Ruto ally, insisted that such portrayals amount to “fake news” and undermine professional journalism in Kenya.
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