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PS Imbunya addresses viral video showing her ejecting journalists from her event
09th February, 2026 12:15 PM
Public Service Principal Secretary Jane Kere Imbunya has addressed a viral video showing her ejecting journalists from an event she presided over.
In an interview with a local radio station on Monday, February 9, 2026, Imbunya defended her actions, noting that they were taken out of context and misinterpreted.
“Haikuwa kutowaheshimu ama kuwadhalilisha. Siwezi kufanya jambo lile kwa sababu nyinyi kama wanahabari ndio my first customers kama Public Service PS,” the PS explained.
This loosely translates to: “It was not to demean or disrespect them. I can’t do such a thing because the press is among my first customers as Public Service PS”.
The PS stated that she has had a healthy relationship with the media and journalists, listing local stations and journalists with whom she has interacted to back her claims.
“Nyumba za habari na wanahabari wote nchini Kenya tumekuwa na uhusiano wa karibu (we have had a very healthy relationship with media houses and journalists in the country),” the PS added.
Journalists ordered out
The PS found herself in the middle of a storm with Kenyans weighing in on press freedom and leadership conduct.
Imbunya was caught on camera telling journalists to remove their equipment at an event in Vihiga, with Kenyans voicing their concern over the incident that borders on threats to media freedoms.
She ordered the removal of the microphones that had been set and threatened to remove them herself.
“Hey, cameramen, I am saying something here; there are too many,” the PS said while touching the microphones.
Calls for PS to be sacked
She then threatened to remove them herself, insisting that they have to be removed.
“In fact, I will remove these. Can I have these out? Come and help me,” Imbunya stated.
The PS alleged that the equipment was blocking the residents from seeing her as she addressed them and ordered their immediate removal before she could give her speech.
Notably, the video only shows three microphones, which had been positioned strategically for the event, with those in attendance able to see the PS as she engaged them.
Her confrontation with the journalists went viral, sparking calls for her to be relieved of her duties, with some noting that her conduct does not reflect the humility of a leader and paints her office in a bad light.
