President William Ruto has taken aim at media coverage of Kenya, arguing that news outlets prioritize negative stories because they generate more attention, not because they accurately reflect the nation’s trajectory.
Speaking at Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast, the President shared an exchange he had with a journalist friend that shaped his perspective on media narratives.
“I once asked a journalist friend why it is rare to find a positive story in the media,” Ruto recounted. “My friend told me that bad news sells, but good news does not. When you read the headlines, some people run their businesses and keep progressing, but the bad news does not tell the whole story, it just helps sell the paper.”
The President’s comments come amid ongoing criticism of his administration’s economic policies and governance approach. Rather than engaging these criticisms directly, Ruto chose to question the media ecosystem itself.
“You won’t see good news in the headlines. I have no doubt that it does not matter what anyone writes about Kenya going in the wrong direction,” he stated emphatically.
Ruto insisted that despite negative headlines, Kenya remains fundamentally strong and continues making progress. He rejected suggestions that the country faces instability or risks becoming a failed state.
“Kenya is not, and will never be, a failed state. If you read the headlines, just know that people still run their businesses, and for their businesses to succeed, they have to write about bad news because that is what sells,” the President argued.
He continued: “I don’t care how many headlines claim Kenya goes in the wrong direction. This country will never go in the wrong direction.”
The President concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude for Kenya’s resilience, stating, “We have many things to thank God for, and I say that without any fear of contradiction. God has shown grace to our nation over the last three years.”
Ruto’s critique raises important questions about media responsibility, the economics of news production, and how citizens can develop media literacy to navigate competing narratives. For those interested in understanding media dynamics better, books on media literacy and critical thinking can be valuable resources.
In an age of information overload, developing the ability to assess news critically and seek diverse perspectives becomes increasingly important.
Read the complete story: https://nairobiwire.com/2026/05/ruto-2027-election-god-will-decide-kenya-calm.html