Unveiling the Drama Behind KTN: The Battle for Media Power in Kenya

 

 A very warm welcome to today's show, where we have an exciting treat for you! Prepare to discover lesser-known secrets about our beloved motherland, with plenty of drama both past and present. Recently, someone told me that people hate me because I'm always talking about history. Well, today's show isn't about history; it's about the latest unfolding drama in Kenya, with State House Nairobi deeply involved. This high-stakes drama was even discussed in a statement on KTN Prime Time News last night.

Some people believe this battle, which dates back to before Ruto became president, is a vicious war between Ruto and Gideon Moi. However, in my opinion, it's much deeper than that, and you'll get all the juicy details today. Over a year ago, we mentioned here that Kenya’s current struggle is a battle between old corruption money and new corruption money—and it’s still going strong.

The past few weeks have seen a media propaganda onslaught against the Standard Media Group. The attacks have been intense and crossed many lines, making it crucial to understand the deep-rooted history behind KTN and its ties to power. Many people believe KTN was founded in 1990 by businessman Jared Kang'ana, but the story is far more intricate, involving high-level political and corporate maneuvering that shaped Kenya’s media landscape.

In the 1980s, President Daniel arap Moi’s government purchased the Nairobi Times, setting the stage for the creation of Kenya Times Media Trust. The goal was to control the media and spread propaganda without opposition. Despite financial struggles and changing fortunes, KTN was launched in 1990, amid dramatic corporate battles, including those involving Robert Maxwell and Jared Kang'ana. This led to a hostile corporate takeover by the Standard Group, eventually falling into the hands of the Moi family.

Fast forward to today, and the Standard Group is facing a new round of hostile takeovers, with the ongoing propaganda campaign against KTN signaling a much deeper corporate war. The rumors and fake reports circulating could suggest that these attacks are politically motivated. If no action is taken against these malpractices, it will highlight the extent of government involvement, signaling troubling times for both local and foreign investors in Kenya.

At the heart of this drama are the old rivalries between figures like Gideon Moi and William Ruto, whose conflict has shaped much of Kenya’s political and media history. As we continue to witness this unfolding saga, it remains to be seen how it will end, but one thing is clear: it's unlikely to end well.