Ruto moves Kisiang’ani to advisory role after media uproar
President William Ruto has reassigned Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Edward Kisiang’ani to a new role amidst public outcry over his attempts to suppress press freedom.
In a cabinet reshuffle announced on March 20, 2025, through Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, Ruto made changes affecting several government departments, citing the need to enhance service delivery.
The changes were framed as part of a broader government effort to enhance service delivery and accelerate the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“These changes are driven by the need to harness the opportunities within emerging sectors of the economy, as well as to address challenges affecting Kenya’s social fabric,” the statement reads.
Kisiang’ani, who has been at the centre of controversy due to his strained relationship with the media, will now serve in an advisory role within the Executive Office of the President.
“In this regard, it is notified that His Excellency the President, exercising the prerogative conferred on the Head of State and Government by Article 132 of the Constitution to direct and coordinate the functions of ministries and government departments, has made the following changes: Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani has been appointed Senior Advisor and Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors,” the statement continues.
Kisiang’ani vs Media
Kisiang’ani’s reassignment comes amid sustained backlash over his handling of government advertising in media houses critical of President Ruto’s administration.
During his tenure as ICT Principal Secretary, he has faced significant criticism from journalists and media houses, with many accusing him of using his position to intimidate the press.
One notable incident occurred after People Daily published an exposé detailing how Ruto’s administration had failed to fulfill key promises, including his pledge to fix the controversial Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County.
The report, which was published on September 4, 2024, highlighted unfulfilled promises despite the President’s earlier assurances that funding had been allocated for repairs.
In response, Kisiang’ani wrote to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), urging action against the publication.
“We call for complete restraint from People Daily and its writers from publishing or causing to publish similarly contemptuous articles about the presidency or other government offices,” Kisiang’ani stated in his complaint to MCK.
People Daily’s editorial team, led by Managing Editor Emeka-Mayaka Gekara, defended the publication, asserting that their reporting was balanced, accurate, and fair.
The Media Council of Kenya’s Complaints Commission subsequently requested a formal response from the newspaper.
