In a shameful turn of events, political warfare in Kasarani constituency took a nosedive as rivalry between the area member of parliament Ronald Karauri and Ruai MCA James Karanja, popularly known as Kariz took to the mainstream went on the over drive.
The Media has been called to verify the news they deciminate, following the publishing of a fake news story that was allegedly sponsored by MP Karauri claiming that Kariz had been arrested in a botched land sale case in Ruai.
According to the story, aired by NTV, Kariz was supposedly arrested and released on bail for allegedly obtaining close to Sh11 million from Somali businessmen through false pretence. However, there was never such an arrest and the story was just sponsored by the MP in a mudslinging campaign aimed at waging political wars.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai dared the media house to stop publishing fake news as Hon Karis has not been arrested by anyone. Alai dared NTV share the charge sheet and proof of cash bail in the arrest they claimed against Hon. Kariz calling on the Ruai MCA to sue the media outlet for defarmation.
Media and Communications strategist Kenn Okaka called out the media house noting that the reporting was never based on facts but a mere slander campaign which should not be expected from a reputable national media house.
“This article that you published about Honorable Kariz is not based on verified facts, which raises serious questions about the integrity of your reporting. It is disheartening to see a media outlet being used as a tool for political warfare. Your editorial team should take greater care in ensuring that the content you publish is accurate and fair. Hon. Kariz has the right to defend his reputation, and I believe a legal response should be considered. I urge you to reconsider the impact of your reporting and strive for greater accountability in your journalism,” Okaka said.
The genesis of the mudslinging spree has been attributed to MP Karauri who according to reports on the ground is a worried man ahead of the next general elections. According to information in Kasarani, Karauri, has noticed that his chances of getting re-elected are alarmingly slim as the popularity of Kariz keep rising. The current MP is said to be uncomfortable the rising popularity of MCA Kariz which is attributed to the fact that he is readily accessible and his contributions in infrastructural development are evident. Kariz has spearheaded the upgrading of roads to murram status, first-time water access in Ruai, and has been accessible to constituents.
Karauri’s attempts to sponsor negative media publicity against Kariz has been founded on the fear that the residents of Kasarani have long realized that Karauri only wanted a parliamentary seat to protect his betting firm and not to work for his constituents and Kariz is among the top MCAs who, owing to their service delivery, they pose a real threat of dethroning Karauri.
MCA Kariz has dared the media house to give details of his alleged arrest and at which police station he was booked at calling on the media to desist from being used by politicians to spread falsehoods.
