Kalonzo Musyoka slams state capture of KBC, calls for action against Government overreach

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has voiced strong criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of attempting to use Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) as a state mouthpiece instead of serving as a national broadcaster.

Speaking passionately, Musyoka urged journalists to rise up and demand accountability, emphasizing the need for media independence and justice for all Kenyans.

Musyoka lamented that KBC, with its superior network connectivity, has historically failed to function as a truly national broadcaster. “In 2002, while KBC became a mouthpiece of the government, other media houses grew by filling the gap left by KBC,” he said. He implored the broadcaster to serve Kenyans instead of President Ruto’s administration, adding, “Don’t allow yourselves to be a mouthpiece of Ruto. Be a mouthpiece of Kenyans.”

He expressed optimism that KBC was beginning to shift towards independence, stating that it had the potential to compete with established media houses like Royal Media, Nation Media Group, and Standard Group.

On matters of the youth, he echoed former President Uhuru Kenyatta sentiments, particularly the Generation Z for their activism, noting that they had already proven to be a formidable force in Kenya’s political landscape. “The next political contest is going to be determined by this generation,” he declared, urging them to fight for their rights and stand against any form of oppression.

He criticized the government’s handling of youth-related issues, including police brutality, and called for justice for victims of state violence. “Not a single cent has been allocated as compensation for police brutality against young Kenyans,” he noted, demanding accountability from the administration.

Musyoka revealed plans by the Wiper Party to intensify voter registration efforts across the country. He accused the government of potential plans to register non-Kenyan aliens as voters, warning that such actions would be unconstitutional. “We want to ensure every Kenyan youth gets their ID and registers to vote, as it’s their birthright,” he stated.

The Wiper Party leader also announced grassroots elections leading to a National Delegates Convention, emphasizing the party’s commitment to coalition-building and uniting Kenyans of goodwill ahead of the next election.

The former Vice President criticized Ruto’s Western Kenya tour and questioned the source of the Ksh150 million the president allocated during his visit. He labeled the funds as a “bribe” and called for transparency. “Peter Salasia boldly asked where this money is coming from. It’s not in the budget, and Kenyans deserve answers,” he said.

He also attacked the administration’s economic policies, particularly the controversial housing levy, describing it as a burden on taxpayers. Musyoka pledged that, under a future Wiper government, Executive Order No. 1 would repeal the levy. “Any Kenyan today with a payslip feels the pain of this administration’s misguided policies,” he remarked.

Addressing internal party matters, Musyoka defended his decision to fire Farah Maalim as deputy party leader, citing the Wiper constitution. “You cannot be a deputy leader of a party and campaign for your opponent,” he said. While expressing disappointment over Maalim’s remarks on sensitive issues, Musyoka noted that Maalim was free to join other political parties if he so wished.

Musyoka called for a unified effort to uphold democracy and resist intimidation by the current administration. “This country cannot be led by fear or intimidation. It’s a democratic country, and every Kenyan must rise to protect their rights,” he asserted.

He also criticized the lack of action from the National Commission on Cohesion and Integration (NCIC) regarding inflammatory political rhetoric, urging the international community to take note of Kenya’s political climate.

The Senior Council reiterated Wiper’s commitment to creating a fair and just Kenya. He urged Kenyans to demand a government that represents their interests and warned against voter apathy, particularly among the middle class. “If you cannot endure one day of hardship to vote, you will suffer the consequences of inaction,” he cautioned.