Royal Media Services (RMS) Editorial Director Linus Kaikai has publicly dismissed claims made by journalist Trevor Ombija that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sought to have him sacked from Citizen TV. Ombija's allegations surfaced during a recent meeting with Nyakach constituents, where he claimed Gachagua's actions were ethnically motivated due to their past clash and Ombija's Luo heritage.
Trevor Ombija, a senior news anchor at RMS-owned Citizen TV for over eight years, has been noticeably absent from screen recently. During the meeting, he accused Gachagua of interfering with his employment at Citizen TV, suggesting that President Ruto protected him and his colleagues from pressure. Ombija posited that had it not been for Ruto's intervention, he and others would have been fired due to their ethnic backgrounds.
Ombija's claims have been strongly refuted by Linus Kaikai. In a statement on social media platform X, Kaikai asserted that there was no call from Gachagua to dismiss Ombija and that such an action would not be warranted at RMS. Kaikai further revealed that Ombija privately admitted to regretting his remarks, stating they were a mistake and that he hadn't anticipated they would gain traction.
The controversy comes at a time when Trevor Ombija is openly campaigning for President Ruto's re-election. Ombija expressed his steadfast support for the president, citing an understanding of Ruto's agenda and distancing himself from what he termed as propaganda. His current political ambitions include vying for the parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections.
Linus Kaikai's rebuttal of Ombija's allegations has brought to light a rift within the media and political spheres in Kenya. Kaikai's statement sought to quell the rumors, emphasizing that there was no truth to the claims of ethnic bias or political interference in Ombija's employment at Citizen TV. The incident highlights the complex interplay between media, politics, and ethnicity in Kenya.
The situation remains a topic of discussion among media professionals and the general public, with many following the developments closely. As Trevor Ombija continues his political pursuits and openly campaigns for President Ruto, the dynamics within Royal Media Services and the broader Kenyan media landscape are being closely watched.
Key points from the incident include Kaikai's denial of Ombija's claims, Ombija's accusations against Gachagua, and the potential impact on the media and political landscape in Kenya.
Key points
- Linus Kaikai denies Trevor Ombija's claims of Gachagua's interference.
- Ombija alleges ethnic bias in employment at Citizen TV.
- The incident sparks debate on media, politics, and ethnicity in Kenya.
