The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has moved to respond to claims that Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu snubbed an interview on KTN News that would have discussed the conflict currently unfolding in the Middle East.
In a statement on Thursday, March 5, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Singoei dismissed claims that PS Njogu intended to mislead the public, terming them incorrect.
While he did not refute claims that an interview was to take place, Singoei noted that engagements between government officials and media houses are often subjected to changes.
“Engagements between government officials and media houses are often subject to changes in format, timing, or participation as discussions evolve. Any suggestion that there was an intention to mislead the public is incorrect,” he stated.
He added that the ministry values the media’s role and remains committed to professional and constructive engagement with media houses.
Sing’oei further noted that the government’s immediate priority remains the safety and welfare of Kenyans living and working abroad, particularly in regions experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions.
“We continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with our missions abroad, and the State Department for Diaspora plays a frontline role in addressing the welfare of our diaspora communities,” he said.
The statement comes after the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, accused Kenya Television Network of circulating a poster suggesting she would appear on a panel discussion on the Middle East conflict alongside the ambassadors of Iran and Israel to Kenya.
According to PS Njogu, she had not consented to the engagement.
“I have been informed of a poster circulating on social media claiming that I will be discussing the Middle East conflict on KTN News this evening with the ambassadors of Iran and Israel to Kenya. That is a clear misrepresentation. I will not be participating in any such panel, and KTN is out of order to circulate such disinformation. This is unacceptable,” she said in a statement.
The interview was also supposed to be attended by ambassadors of both Iran and Israel, a move that sparked attention across social media on the better part of Wednesday, although the media outlet clarified that the ambassadors would be hosted on a different day.
“We wish to clarify that our poster was only meant to detail the guests we were having within our broadcast tonight. We however remain committed to bring you details on Kenyans stranded in the Middle East and their current status as we get them,” KTN said.
The Standard Group maintained that the PS had earlier agreed to participate in a phone interview during the 9 pm news bulletin.