Ali Manzu, Ezekiel Mutua Trade Barbs Over Ruto's Interview With Journalists: "You Did Nothing"

• Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua criticised the quality of journalists who interviewed President William Ruto
• However, his criticism did not sit down well with Ali Manzu of KTN, who was among those who interviewed the president
• Manzu slammed Mutua for questioning the quality of journalists, yet he played no role in advancing media space when he had the opportunity

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua has traded barbs with KTN journalist Ali Manzu on X.

Their harsh exchange began after Mutua questioned the ability of journalists selected by different media houses to interview President William Ruto on national issues.

Why Ezekiel Mutua was not impressed with Ruto's interview

According to Mutua, the journalists who interviewed the president did not match the experience and skills of veteran journalists like John Simbi Okumu, Louis Otieno, Julie Gichuru, and Linus Kakai, who, according to him, were better placed to interview the president.

"Journalists of the calibre of John Simbi Okumu, Louis Otieno, Julie Gichuru et al. The media should give such interviews respect by bringing forth their best. Why is Linus Kakai, for example, not here? We need seasoned, skilled, charismatic, and deeply knowledgeable journalists for such moments. An interview with a president with a PhD is no walk in the park. It requires preparation and skill—even the ability to think on one's feet," Mutua said.

However, in a rejoinder, Manzu told off the MCSK boss, saying he had the opportunity to develop the media industry but failed.

Ali Manzu's response to Mutua

According to Manzu, the MCSK boss had no valuable contribution to the media industry despite having occupied privileged positions earlier.

"I was not taught to reply to elders, but please allow me to say this. You came, you saw, and you did nothing. While others (John Sibi Okumu) were trying to build the media space for us, you were busy awarding tv sets and taking pictures. With due respect, allow us to try and delete that kind of absurdity.

I’m still searching for wisdom from you during your term, I can’t find any useful one. Mzee samahani sana Mzee, wazeeka vibaya. Kisha jifunze kusalimia watu, sio kujipitisha na mpiga picha. Sorry but I had to say so. Sikuchukii Mzee," Manzu said.

On the other hand, some Kenyans argued that interviews with the president are usually a PR exercise.

They argued that journalists who interview the president are vetted and selected by state house operatives, and those who don't fit their preferences are struck off the list.

Why Kenyans praised Sam Gituku

Meanwhile, Kenyans praised journalist Sam Gituku for asking sharp-witted questions during an interview with Ruto.

On Sunday, December 17, the president held a roundtable media interview at State House, Nairobi.

During the interview, several journalists representing different media houses questioned the president about the state of the nation.

However, Citizen TV journalist Sam Gituku stole the show by asking witty but well-researched questions to the president.

For instance, without fear, Gituku pinned down Ruto over the controversial housing levy and why it was changed from a fund to a tax.