“Irresponsible Journalism”: People Daily Criticised Over Article About Ruto

Media Max-owned People Daily newspaper has been heavily criticised for linking President William Ruto to the deadly accident on the Nithi Bridge on Saturday.

The accident claimed 12 lives, including two children, nine women, and the van’s driver. They were coming from a parental blessing event in Nkubu, Meru.

The newspaper, in its Wednesday, September 4 issue, shared a piece on the front page sensationally claiming Ruto was responsible for the 12 lives lost.

However, the allegation did not sit well with some social media users who found it insensitive, especially to bereaved families.

Some claimed the article had been sponsored by Ruto’s critics to paint him in bad light, given that the bridge had been there before Ruto assumed office in 2022.

Here are some comments sampled by TUKIO.co.ke:

Mike Bowen said: Garbage newspaper, irresponsible journalism. The bridge has been there for long you dimwits, singling out a president out of the 5 who've been at the helm is pure hate and malice.

Cornelius Muriithi said: But how do you blame Ruto for the lives lost? That bridge was built I think in 1985, he is not the one who built and over time the bridge has been modified to make it safe for motorists. The situation only worsens when the driver is new on that route. May those who died rest.

Tonny Mwendwa: People Daily, nowonder you are the true representation of githeri media. A bridge that was constructed decades ago now it's Ruto. You have no content, the editor and reporters are empty heads and you have to seek relevance. Shame on you.

Hezekiel: @PeopleDailyKe, bridges and roads are built if there are resources, should the president turn himself into dollars so bridges can be built?Or its another fake stories to sell your copies?

ochiengR said: Waah ata kama ni chuki,this road has killed people since Kenyatta 1 days,how are deaths related to Ruto?

son_of_otieno: Hii sasa mmekuja sana. You mean you guys don't have an editor who goes through this, before giving his node!

NjaMu: That headline if true is highly sensational and misleading..very irresponsible journalism.

Joymyra: Unfortunate reckless headline.

Muchori: As much as we blame the Government on issues, Driver's recklessness should not be turned into broken promises. Truth is, Kenyans are bad mannered on roads.

Brian Ngetich: Gutter press calibre headline

Mwalimu Nick: This is insensitive and uncalled for. I'm calling you out! @PeopleDailyKe