The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has finally broken its silence after concerns emerged over Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu and her alleged interview on KTN regarding the Middle East situation.
In a statement on Thursday, March 5, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Singoei dismissed claims that Njogu planned to mislead anyone. He said it is quite common for government and media interviews to change format, timing, or participation during a conversation. “Engagements between government officials and media houses are often subject to changes in format, timing, or participation as discussions evolve. Any suggestion that there was an intention to mislead the public is incorrect,” he said.
He added that they value the media and are always willing to work with them professionally and constructively.
Singoei said that the government’s top priority is the safety of Kenyans living outside the country, especially in regions with geopolitical tensions. He added that they monitor the situation and are always in touch with their missions outside the country, with the State Department for Diaspora playing a leading role in caring for Kenyans living outside the country.
This clarification came after Njogu’s earlier claim that KTN had circulated a poster indicating that she would be joining a panel on a discussion involving the Middle East, with ambassadors from Iran and Israel to Kenya.
Njogu said that she did not agree to such a panel and that it was a misrepresentation by KTN, adding that they were engaging in disinformation and conduct that was not acceptable. She said, “I will not be participating in any such panel.”
The panel on a discussion involving the Middle East had generated online interest because of the prospect of having representatives from Iran and Israel discuss issues on air, given tensions between these countries.
KTN said that the poster represented different panelists for different segments of the broadcast and not a panel for a single segment, adding that they were committed to keeping Kenyans informed, including those stranded in the Middle East.
The Standard Group said that Njogu had agreed to a phone interview for the 9 pm news broadcast and that this online exchange has generated debate on how this interview was communicated and if there has been a misunderstanding between the parties.
