Citizen TV is facing backlash from a section of Kenyans online after referring to a group of pro-Ruto supporters as goons during coverage of protests in Nairobi.
The uproar started after the station shared a video of demonstrators chanting “Ruto Tano Tena” as they marched through parts of the city.
The caption posted by Citizen TV read: Goons chanting ‘Ruto tano tena’ patrol Nairobi streets.
These supporters were part of a counter-protest against another group that had taken to the streets demanding the arrest and prosecution of former Deputy Inspector General of Police Lagat, who stepped aside just a day earlier following public pressure.
While both groups were demonstrating, many Kenyans on social media questioned why Citizen TV referred to those supporting President William Ruto as goons, while those demanding action against Lagat were described as protesters.
“So you also recognize supporters of Ruto as goons?” one user asked.
“When they shout ‘Ruto must go!’ they are not goons? How? This media objective is to sing anti-Ruto narrative. You even don’t respect other people’s opinions? You call them goons?” Another added.
The reactions did not stop there. Others accused the media house of being unfair and ignoring other important national issues.
“If people support Ruto, you call them goons. What you are yarning for, one day it will come. God willing, we shall see where such propaganda broadcasts will be exercised,” one wrote.
Another questioned Citizen TV’s priorities.
“You called them goons, but these so-called activists—are they not goons? Why are you so selective? Why were they not demonstrating when many people died in Ang’ata Barikoi? Or were they not Kenyans?” he questioned
By the time of this report, Citizen TV had not responded to the growing criticism.
The incident has once again raised questions about fairness in the media and how different groups are portrayed depending on their political stand, especially as political temperatures in the country continue to rise.
By Citizen Digital