DP Ruto clashes with Nation's Macharia Gaitho over report on BBI, states that he will support Jubilee party and President Uhuru Kenyatta's position

Renown journalist tackles DP Ruto in vicious clash that lasted until midnight

Charles Ouma

October 27, 2019 10:40 AM

Veteran journalist responds after DP Ruto went on the rampage on Twitter

File image of DP Ruto

Veteran editor and political annalyst Macharia Gaitho tactfully tackled Deputy President after the DP engaged him in a vicious exchange that lasted until midnight.

It all began on Saturday morning when the DP dismissed media report by on Saturday Nation titled “Ruto’s big BBI Dilemma” stating that he is not in any dilemma as alleged in the article.

“DILEMMA?Hapana!No way!Jubilee as a democratic party celebrates diversity of opinion free of hate and focused on transformation for all; for us big or small matters” Ruto wrote.

In what is now becoming a trend, Ruto took a swipe at the media, stating that editors are paid to spread what he termed as fake news.

Journalist Macharia Gaitho Pulse Live Kenya

"MG (Macharia Gaitho), that was your opinion which as a democrat I respect. But fake news is the stock in trade for charlatans posing as editors who are paid by mercenary brokers to distort facts. Those we believe in free media must continue to call them out. They are a threat to media & the truth." Ruto tweeted at 11:59 PM.

In recent days, the DP taken to Twitter on several occasions, faulting different media houses including The Standard, People Daily and Nation for fake news.

Renown journalist tackles DP Ruto in vicious clash that lasted until midnight Pulse Live Kenya

Gaitho wisely avoided a confrontation with the DP, thanking him from breaking from his trend of dismissing media reports as "fake news".

Rather than going after Ruto or defending his article, the veteran editor calmly welcomed DP Ruto’s criticism and encouraged him to keep reading.

“Welcome my fren@WilliamRuto, all feedback from my devoted readers is treasured. I appreciate you that for once you did not dismiss a media report as fake news. You actually affirm that on BBI you will stand behind your party and leader contrary to assumptions. Keep reading.” Gaitho responded.

Charles Ouma